Politicization and Socialization: An Increase in the Rate of Religious Nones in America

The rate of religious disaffiliation in America has been increasing drastically since the 1960s. The rates of religious nones appear to rise in tandem with the passing of time, production of ideas, the politicization of religion, and emerging social issues (such as gender, same sex marriage, etc.).  As more individuals become religious nones, religious influence as a whole is lessened both on a public scale as religious voices command less authority, and on a private scale as individuals are less socialized to religious influence.  This presentation focuses on political beliefs and the politicization of religion, and social issues and the stances taken on them by religious institutions, discussing recent developments together with a survey completed by private Catholic high school seniors.  Though this is a small and somewhat biased sample, the study still provides insight in the minds of a younger generation in the hopes of seeing if thought of disaffiliation can be seen in younger ages and what it might be attributed to.