Religious surveys for many years have highlighted that women tend to be more committed in matters of faith compared to men. Such a finding appears invariably across several nations and involves practically all dimensions of religion – from frequency of prayer to the importance of faith in everyday life. The reason for this long-standing pattern has puzzled social scientists, with theories stretching from women’s risk aversion to the solace religion offers in the face of life’s major events such as childbirth, death, and upbringing. However, latest U.S. survey data suggests this trend is no longer as robust as it once was. This divergence particularly in the Generation Z demographic has given rise to other intriguing distinctions across the nation.
The American Enterprise Institute’s Survey Center on American Life revealed in 2023 that 39% of Gen Z females claimed to not be associated with any religion, a figure that stood at 34% for males of the same age group. Interestingly, the Cooperative Election Study, another national poll, found younger men born after 1990 – representing younger millennials and Gen Z – showed slightly better regular attendance to religious services than their female peers. Yet, these findings should be taken with some skepticism.
Contradictory data exists – the 2022 General Social Survey, a highly respected national poll, suggested the contrary: women aged 18-45 were more likely to be frequent visitors to a place of worship. Moreover, based on the Pew Religious Landscape Study published in February 2025, the gender gap in American religiosity does appear to be shrinking; however, no evidence shows men being notably more religious than women in any generation. Despite sensational reports of large numbers of young men flocking to join religious groups like Eastern Orthodoxy, the fact remains that there’s no solid proof of any reversal in the gender gap, but rather a subtle narrowing.
Could political affiliations provide an explanation for this shift in America’s religious gender gap? Emerging survey data suggests a political tilt in younger demographics, with young men veering more towards conservative views, while young women increasingly endorse progressive ideologies. An NBC News poll conducted in April 2025 indicated that men aged between 30-44 were about 9 percentage points more likely to approve of then president Donald Trump’s performance compared to women of the same age. That gap then leaps to 21 points when considering the 18-29 age bracket.
Meanwhile, young men, particularly those supporting Donald Trump, ranked ‘forming a family’ and ‘having children’ as priority objectives more than their female counterparts. On the flip side, women who voted for Kamala Harris placed these life events lower on their scale of importance. This disparity is noteworthy since the top religious groups in America – evangelical Protestant Christianity and the Catholic Church – emphasize so-called ‘traditional’ gender norms as well as family and procreation. Therefore, this clash between progressive women’s career ambition and these traditional teachings is likely to widen the rift.
Commentators suggest that the conflict between personal beliefs, such as those about LGBTQ+ rights, and religious institutions may result in a shift away from traditional religions, especially among women. Generation Z may represent the most prominent example of the enlarging ‘God gap’ in American politics, given their leaning towards progressive views. Briefly, the religious dynamics within the two prominent political parties seem to be veering in opposite directions.
As per General Social Survey data analysis, during the 1990s, Republicans and Democrats showed similar belief levels in God, 67% and 63% respectively. However, by 2022, the Democrats’ faith in God had fallen markedly to 39%, while Republicans maintained their levels of belief at 63%. Furthermore, there’s a distinct divide in church attendance: 42% of Republicans regularly visit a place of worship, in contrast to just 28% of Democrats; in the 70s, the divide was a mere 4 points.
These developments provide a projection of an American public future that is more divided, possibly even polarised. The cultural landscape of America seems to be very much influenced by these projections. Evidence is emerging of houses of worship being chosen more on the basis of political affinity, rather than theological belief, leading to less diversity within these communities.
The differences in both genders’ perspectives and interests might make it more challenging to find a suitable partner, making commonality more elusive. A scenario where the opportunities for genuine conversation and interaction become scarce can only contribute to this widening divide. These growing tendencies suggest a future where polarization extends well beyond political circles, infiltrating deep into American culture – influencing where citizens worship, whom they choose to marry, and how communities shape and evolve.
While this might be a simplification of a complex socio-political landscape, it is clear that the religious demographics of the country are shifting. As these shift, they impact not only the religious life of the American people, but also their political behaviors and personal identities.
As this change gradually unfolds, it informs our understanding of American society and its values, indicating a future leaning towards greater polarization. While some may see the diminishing religious gender gap as a sign of progress, others may view it as a symptom of a society grappling with change and a disregard for tradition, further perpetuating political and social divides.
Still, it is important to note that these numbers are indicative trends rather than foolproof predictions. One must tread carefully while deciphering these surveys, bearing in mind that these observations are merely statistical abstractions. While these trends may give an overall picture, they are by no means definitive and should be interpreted with caution.
The real-world lived experiences of individuals often deviate from these generalized trend lines. Therefore, while these findings do offer some valuable insights, it’s essential to appreciate the wide array of unique experiences that make up the complex tapestry of American life. Needless to say, the future of American society and religion remains an evolving and unpredictable entity, shaped by a myriad of intersecting forces.
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