Family, Faith, and Friends: Incorporating Social Networks into the Study of Family and Religion
Open Access
- Author:
- Gurrentz, Benjamin Thomas
- Graduate Program:
- Sociology
- Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Document Type:
- Dissertation
- Date of Defense:
- February 22, 2017
- Committee Members:
- Roger Finke, Dissertation Advisor/Co-Advisor
Roger Finke, Committee Chair/Co-Chair
Diane Felmlee, Committee Member
David Johnson, Committee Member
David Eggebeen, Outside Member - Keywords:
- family
religion
social networks - Abstract:
- Although past studies indicate that social relationships play an important role within families and religious communities, we know very little about how these two important contexts of social ties relate to one another. Scholars theorize that families and religious communities rely on each other to thrive, so this interdependency should also exist on the micro level through social ties. Nonetheless, questions remain. Specifically, how do family relationships impact friendships within religious congregations and vice versa? Do families turn to congregational friendships for social support, and do these religious friendships seem to matter to families? Using longitudinal data from the Portraits of American Life Study (PALS, 2006-2012), this dissertation explores the social ties between families and religious groups by testing: 1) the effect of family formation on social ties to religious congregations; 2) the multidimensional role of religion, including congregational friendships, on marital happiness; and 3) the impact of social networks on family religious activities. In general, findings suggest that family relationships and congregational friendships are reciprocally related on the micro level through social ties. Moreover, these social ties operate in complex and surprising ways, revealing the nuanced interconnections between families and religious communities. Chapter 1 serves as an introduction to the dissertation, providing a brief overview of past research as well as a justification for a social networks approach to family and religion. Chapter 2 describes the PALS data source in detail, including sampling strategy, data collection, important survey items, as well as benefits and limitations. Chapter 3 examines the ways in which family formation (e.g., getting married and rearing children) impacts close social ties to religious congregations. Findings suggest that marriage decreases congregational social ties while childrearing increases them. Chapter 4 tests the multidimensional role of religion on improving marital happiness, uniquely incorporating the role of religious social networks. Results suggest that close congregational friendships positively predict marital happiness, and this relationship is actually strongest among the less religious. Chapter 5 examines the role of social networks in predicting the prevalence of religious discussions with family members. Although social networks matter, their effects weaken in contexts where spouses differ in religious importance. Chapter 6 concludes the dissertation by connecting main findings, discussing limitations, and providing future areas of inquiry for those interested in incorporating social networks into the study of family and religion.