The Influence of Social, Economic and Cultural Factors on the Level of Religiosity of Youths with an Average Age of 25 to 29 (A Case Study in Ilam)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the impacts of social, economic and cultural factors on the level of religiosity of youths in city of Ilam in 2013-2014 (solar years of 92-93). In this research, subjects were 438 youths with an average age of 25 to 29 whom were selected by random cluster sampling. Variables measured in this study include: the degree of religiosity, age, social status, housing conditions, educational level, monthly income, father and mother’s jobs, the way individuals spend their time at their leisure, the type of communication (including TV, satellite, Internet, listening to the radio (foreign and domestic). In order to analyze the data, descriptive statistics method was used while for analyzing the hypotheses test, inferential statistics including (ANOVA - Linear and Non-linear Regression, T- test, Pearson, Spearman test and Path analysis were used. The results obtained from the descriptive data indicated that the degree of religiosity among youths is in a moderate status. To elucidate the reasons of youth’s tendency for religiosity, the present research shows these facts: a) cultural factors and the literacy rate played the most significant role in the degree of religiosity of youths. b) Fathers’ job was the second significant variable that had a positive effect on the degree of religiosity. c) After examining both female and male respondents, the research showed that the degree of religiosity amongst the girls was greater than the boys. D) It also showed that the more was the age of respondents, the less was the degree of religiosity amongst them. The most important conclusion reached from the influence of effective variables on the degree of religiosity of youths was that: The amount of income had the greatest impact on the reduction of religiosity and two factors including father’s monthly income and father’s occupational status had indirect impact on the degree of religiosity of youths.