Religion Unmuted31 Okt 2025

What's Trending: Gen Z's Political and Religious Engagement

In this episode we dive into key trends surrounding Generation Z with Melissa Deckman, CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute, including Gen Z's high rates of religious non-affiliation—with about 36% identifying with no religion. Deckman discusses how Gen Z women are driving progressive political engagement at higher rates than their male counterparts, propelled by issues like feminism, abortion, and LGBTQ rights. She also challenges the narrative of a "masculine religious revival," noting that her data shows young men's religious practice has remained static over the last decade.

TOPICS COVERED

(01:38) - Gen Z definition and demographics

(04:27) – Religious disaffiliation and impact on political views

(07:11) – Gender differences regarding religion and politics

(10:45) – Political engagement among women

(15:03) – The Republican Party and MAGA

(19:17) – Christianity as gendered

(22:44) - Religious institutions responding to Gen Z

(27:31) – The work of the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI)

(30:19) – End: final words on religion, politics, and meaning among Gen Z

RESOURCES AND LINKS

• Learn more about Melissa Deckman's book, The Politics of Gen Z: How the Youngest Voters Will Shape Our Democracy: https://cup.columbia.edu/book/the-politics-of-gen-z/9780231560085/

• Visit the Boniuk Institute for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance: https://boniuk.rice.edu/

• Visit the Religion and Public Life Center: https://boniuk.rice.edu/RPLC

• Subscribe to Religion Unmuted: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

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