The Surprising Success of Religious Boys from Working-Class Families in Education

The alarming trend of American men dropping out of college in large numbers has been a cause for concern in recent years. A generation of men has been depicted as feeling lost, detached, and lacking in male role models, especially among working-class individuals. However, amidst this crisis, there is a group of boys defying the odds: those from working-class families who grow up religious.

Research conducted by a sociologist of education and religion followed the lives of thousands of teenagers and found that boys from working-class families who were regularly involved in their church and strongly believed in God were twice as likely to earn bachelor’s degrees compared to their moderately religious or nonreligious peers. This academic advantage was not due to higher intelligence but rather the social capital that religious communities provide.

Religious involvement offers these boys a support system that helps insulate them from the despair that many of their peers face. By participating in church activities, these boys develop trusting relationships with adults who encourage them to follow the rules and avoid antisocial behaviors. This support extends beyond their teenage years and helps deter them from falling into despair in adulthood.

One example highlighted in the research is a boy named John, who, despite facing challenges in his working-class upbringing, managed to earn his associate degree with the help of his faith and involvement in his church community. Even when he strayed from his religious practices, a return to his faith helped him get his life back on track and pursue a career in the medical field.

The study emphasizes the importance of religious communities in providing social capital and support for working-class boys, ultimately helping them achieve academic success and navigate the challenges they face. Religion, in this context, serves as a source of stability, guidance, and inspiration for these individuals, offering them a path towards a brighter future.