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Religion UnmutedAuthor: Boniuk Institute and Religion and Public Life Center
Religion Unmuted is the podcast where we explore how religion is lived. We aim to amplify voices that are not often heard in public conversations about religion. Join us for research-driven dialogue as we look for religion in unexpected spacessuch as the workplace, the lab, or on the campaign trailand in everyday life. Language: en Genres: Religion & Spirituality, Science, Social Sciences Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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What's Trending: Gen Z's Political and Religious Engagement
Episode 30
Friday, 31 October, 2025
In this episode we dive into key trends surrounding Generation Z with Melissa Deckman, CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute, including Gen Z's high rates of religious non-affiliation—with about 36% identifying with no religion. Deckman discusses how Gen Z women are driving progressive political engagement at higher rates than their male counterparts, propelled by issues like feminism, abortion, and LGBTQ rights. She also challenges the narrative of a "masculine religious revival," noting that her data shows young men's religious practice has remained static over the last decade. TOPICS COVERED (01:38) - Gen Z definition and demographics (04:27) – Religious disaffiliation and impact on political views (07:11) – Gender differences regarding religion and politics (10:45) – Political engagement among women (15:03) – The Republican Party and MAGA (19:17) – Christianity as gendered (22:44) - Religious institutions responding to Gen Z (27:31) – The work of the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) (30:19) – End: final words on religion, politics, and meaning among Gen Z RESOURCES AND LINKS • Learn more about Melissa Deckman's book, The Politics of Gen Z: How the Youngest Voters Will Shape Our Democracy: https://cup.columbia.edu/book/the-politics-of-gen-z/9780231560085/ • Visit the Boniuk Institute for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance: https://boniuk.rice.edu/ • Visit the Religion and Public Life Center: https://boniuk.rice.edu/RPLC • Subscribe to Religion Unmuted: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts
