ABSTRACT

In this chapter we look at the effects of the three main ‘demographic’ variables on religiosity: gender, age, and social situation (class and community size). It is well-known that women are on average more religious than men. Which aspects of religion are most affected? Above all what is the explanation? Is it because the personality of women is more compatible with religious ideas and values? Is religiosity partly a matter of age? What is the religion of very young children like? Are there differences due to social class?