Gen Z is the first generation in history in which men are more religious than women. Why?

According to research from The Conversation Australia, Gen Z is breaking a centuries-old generational pattern: young men are now more likely than women to identify with a religion. The numbers tell the story—fifty-five point seven percent of Gen Z men report a religious affiliation, compared to forty-three point two percent of Gen Z women. That's a complete reversal from their millennial predecessors, where forty-six point two percent of women identified with religion versus forty point three percent of men. The shift appears closely tied to political identity. Left-leaning Gen Z women are the least likely to identify as religious, while right-leaning Gen Z men remain comparatively attached to faith. It mirrors a broader divergence where young women are embracing progressive values while young men are drifting more conservative. While Australia continues its overall secularization, religion appears to increasingly function as a source of identity, belonging, and purpose—particularly for young men navigating economic uncertainty.

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