Exciting Research on Religious Young People in the UK Today
August 28, 2009 by RYS · Leave a Comment
A team of university researchers is beginning work on an exciting government-funded project which explores how religious young people negotiate their identities, values and choices in relation to their religious beliefs and their sexualities. They are inviting responses from 18 to 25 year old visitors to this site, and beyond.
The study focuses on six religious groups – Sikhism, Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism and Buddhism.
The researchers at the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University say:
“We are interested in hearing from young people aged between 18 and 25, regardless of gender, sexual orientation (e.g. straight or gay), relationship status (e.g. single or partnered), or sexual practice (e.g. celibate or sexually active). Participants will be asked to fill in a questionnaire on our website.
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We would like to know what you as a religious young person think about issues relevant to you in everyday life – for example, what it is like to live as a religious young person in Britain today, what sorts of religious activities you are involved in. How involved are you with your religious community?
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Does your religious faith impact on your friendship networks? Who are your role models? What influences you most – contemporary media or religious leaders?
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We are also interested to know about young people’s attitudes to contemporary issues such as sex before marriage, and contraception. Is contemporary society too sexually liberal? Or do religions need to accommodate liberal lifestyles?
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Whatever your views, we want to hear from you! So long as you identify with one or more of the religions mentioned above, live in the UK and are aged between 18 and 25, you are eligible to take part. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
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So far, over 200 young people of different faiths have completed the questionnaire. Their voices and opinions have been invaluable and we are most excited by the diversity and similarity in their experiences and beliefs. We really hope you will add to this voice!”
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So visit us now at www.nottingham.ac.uk/sociology/rys where you can complete the questionnaire and find out more about the project and the people involved.
The Religion, Youth and Sexuality’ (RYS) Research Team
Dr. Andrew Yip, Dr. Michael Keenan, and Sarah-Jane Page
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