Who studies Religious Education? Understanding young people’s perceptions of religion, religious identity and religious education in England

Abstract

There is a growing concern over the waning religious affiliations of young people and doubt about the value of religious education in general. We employed a novel survey design, comprising paired survey questionnaires for students and their parents, to explore their perceptions about religion and religious education. The data analysis of 456 participants across six secondary schools in England confirmed that young people acknowledged attitudes towards, and values of, their own religion and religious education in general, and distinguished them from Religious Education and GCSE Religious Studies in the school setting. There were noticeable disparities amongst young people with different religious affiliations, primarily influenced by parental opinions, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds. By arguing the importance of classroom-level teaching and school-level approaches, this study will help to advance the current debates about young people’s religious identity and religious education in general as well as in schools.