The Australian Community Survey figures published by NCLS Research show that Gen Z males are more likely to identify with Christianity than Gen Z females (39% vs 28%). Gen Z is defined as people aged 18 to 27 years when surveyed in 2022).
The NCLS report More Gen Z men find meaning in Christianity documents research used in ‘first reported by ABC news in “Why more Australian Gen Z men are finding meaning in organised religion” and on Triple J’s Hack in December 2024″ They were following up a New York Times report “With Gen Z, Men Are Now More Religious Than Women” which NCLS Research describes as
NCLS Research found that
• Gen Z females were “spiritually open”
• No gender differences in Gen Z spiritual practices.
• Gen Z males were more likely to have adopted a Christian identity and are also more positive about the role of Christian religion in society.
NCLS Research cautions on Gen Z males adopting a Chrsitian identity: “it appears that this is more about adopting a Christian identity, rather than actively engaging Christian practices.”
This is borne out in the detail provided in the NCLS report.
For example asked about belief, 26 per cent of Gen Z males said they believed in a “personal God” compared to 18 per cent of Gen Z females.
However, Gen Z females are more likely than males to say they have had a mystical or supernatural experience (30 per cent v 20 per cent for Gen Z males).
Church going is basically even. Gen Z males (14 per cent) and Gen Z females (12 per cent ) are frequent attenders (the NCLS means at least monthly).
The 2022 Australian Community Survey, run by NCLS Research is an online survey of a representative sample of Australians (n = 3090)