Recent research has indicated a growing trend among young women in the United States distancing themselves from organised religion, raising concerns about the future of faith communities.
The Survey Center on American Life conducted the study involving 5,459 American adults shedding light on shifting attitudes toward religion.
In a departure from older generations, Gen Z women comprised a significant majority of those disaffiliating from organised religion.
While men dominated the ranks of disaffiliated baby boomers (57 per cent), Generation X (55 per cent), and millennials (53 per cent), the reverse is true for Generation Z, where 57 per cent of those leaving organised religion were women.
The research suggested that young women's disillusionment with organised religion often stems from perceived gender inequalities within churches.
The survey found that across different age groups, a growing number of women feel that churches do not treat men and women equally. This sentiment was particularly pronounced among women aged 30 to 49 (64 per cent) and those aged 18 to 29 (65 per cent).
Interestingly, a majority of men also agreed with this assessment, signalling a broader concern within the younger demographic regarding gender equality in religious institutions.
Gen Z marked the first generation where a higher proportion of women have left organised religion compared to men. Additionally, it's the first generation where more women identify as religiously unaffiliated than men. Thirty-nine percent of Gen Z women described themselves as religiously unaffiliated, compared to 34 per cent of Gen Z men.
Further analysis suggested several factors contributing to young women's disengagement. The study showed that a significant percentage of Gen Z women identify as feminists, and concerns over churches' treatment of marginalised groups, including the LGBTQ+ community, also play a role.
Additionally, attitudes toward social issues like abortion further contribute to the decline in religiosity among Gen Z women.
The report underscored the practical implications of this trend, highlighting the pivotal role women traditionally play in community building and volunteer efforts within religious institutions.
Moreover, the research emphasised the influential role mothers play in shaping religious beliefs within families.
As more young women distance themselves from organised religion, the report suggested a generational shift that could have lasting repercussions for faith communities.