Intergenerational inequalities in economic security, health, and political participation are
frequently associated with inequalities in access to social capital. Millennials (those born…)
are often regarded as the least civically active generation, suggesting that they have less access
to social capital, compared to other generations. ...
Intergenerational inequalities in economic security, health, and political participation are
frequently associated with inequalities in access to social capital. Millennials (those born…)
are often regarded as the least civically active generation, suggesting that they have less access
to social capital, compared to other generations. Numerous studies have linked the decline of
religion with falling social capital, as younger generations are deprived of a valuable source
of social interaction; others, however, have claimed the link between the two is spurious
because Millennials have developed different ways of interacting with social institutions and
each other. Despite various studies exploring links between forms of religious and social
capital, the role of religious decline in contributing to the intergenerational inequalities of
today remains unclear. This study examines how religious capital is related to social capital
for Baby Boomers and Millennials in the UK. Our analysis shows that while lower levels of
religious capital are contributing to lower levels of social capital among Millennials, religious
activity is also a more effective source of social capital for Millennials than their elders. We
discuss possible interpretations of our data, including exploring whether greater religious
engagement among Millennials may protect against intergenerational inequality and conflict.