The figures are laid bare in an article written by Dr. Rakib Ehsan, senior research associate for IIFL, based on a nationally-representative survey conducted by British Polling Council member TechneUK.
Religious Brits report a greater sense of belonging than atheists in several key areas:
- 93% feel a strong sense of belonging in their family, compared to 72% of atheists.
- 79.7% feel a strong sense of belonging in their friendship network, compared to 55.9% of atheists.
- 72.3% feel a strong sense of belonging at work, compared to 45% of atheists.
- 50.1% feel a strong sense of belonging in their local neighbourhood, compared to just 21.3% of atheists.
Dr. Rakib Ehsan, senior research associate for IIFL, says:
“The data suggests that there is a significant association between stronger forms of faith and a strong sense of belonging in life.
Regularly attending services at a place of worship can be a vital source of social capital – building friendships, opening economic opportunities, and ultimately deepening one’s own belonging in their local area.
And connection to the divine and spiritual inspires a sense of duty and respect towards others. These non-familial bonds can transcend a specific religious affiliation, helping to form bonds outside of the ‘ingroup’. Indeed, various forms of faith-based civic activity are not necessarily restricted to one’s own religious group – such as supporting the activities of an interfaith charity.
In a society which has become increasingly secularised, atomised, and individualistic, more work should be done to understand how faith and spirituality undergirds multi-generational cohesion within traditional-minded families and communities.”
For any further information or commentary on the report, please contact Dr Jake Scott, secretary for the Institute.
Dr Jake Scott
jake.scott@iifl.org.uk
+44 (0) 7490 190 652
Notes for editors:
- The polling is based on a nationally-representative survey conducted by TechneUK, a British Polling Council member.
- Fieldwork for the survey took place between the 29th of September and the 8th of October 2023.
- 2,004 UK adults were surveyed across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
- Respondents were surveyed on their sense of belonging to their key networks. Of those who say their religious background is important to their personal identity:
- 93% feel a strong sense of belonging in their family, compared to 72% of atheists.
- 79.7% feel a strong sense of belonging in their friendship network, compared to 55.9% of atheists.
- 72.3% feel a strong sense of belonging at work, compared to 45% of atheists.
- 50.1% feel a strong sense of belonging in their local neighbourhood, compared to just 21.3% of atheists.