The Association Between Parents’ Socio-Economic Status and the Level of Religiosity Among Undergraduates

Abstract

This study assessed the influence of parents’ socio-economic status on the level of religiosity in a sample of Nigerian undergraduates. A convenience sample of 200 students (mean age = 20.41 ± 2.54) participated in the study. Two structured scales were used which included Kuppuswanny’s scale and Duke University Religiosity Index. Data were analysed using one way ANOVA. Findings showed that the parental education, occupation and income significantly influenced the level of religiosity. A follow-up post-hoc analysis using Fisher’s LSD showed that participants whose parents were employed in non-professional occupation with lower education and poorer income were more religious compared to their counterparts whose parents had higher education, higher income and engaged in professional occupations. The study recommended that the upcoming generation of youth should utilize an objective, practical, and aggressive approach as a means to achieve better socio-economic and political transformation rather than using religion practises.