The influence of religion on adolescent family life in England: an explanatory study of the views of young people and parents

Abstract

The majority of adults in England describe themselves as affiliated to a religious faith. However, little is known about the influence religion has on family life, particularly in relation to ways in which religion influences the parenting of adolescents. The authors seek to add to the limited body of knowledge by reporting the findings of a qualitative study of young people and parents who held a range of religious beliefs and engaged in varied religious practices. The findings indicate that religious beliefs influence both what parents want for their adolescents, and young people’s lifestyles. Moreover, the perceived views of grandparents and peer and societal pressures on young people inform both parents’ and young people’s attitudes. However, the views of faith leaders do not appear to have an influence. The authors conclude by drawing on the findings of this study to explore ways in which the young people and the parents in the study appeared to negotiate adolescent lifestyle choices.