New Books Network Anna Strhan and Rachael Shillitoe, "Growing Up Godless: Non-Religious Childhoods in Contemporary England" (Princeton UP, 2025)
Sep 10, 2025
Anna Strhan, a Reader in Sociology, and Rachael Shillitoe, a senior social scientist, dive deep into the world of non-religious childhoods in contemporary England. They explore how children navigate identity in secular environments, emphasizing personal development versus societal norms. The duo discusses the moral frameworks of non-religious kids, focusing on their values of equality and respect. They also highlight the importance of allowing children the freedom to explore their beliefs, alongside the changing dynamics in schools that address diverse backgrounds.
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Non-Religion As Its Own Social Formation
- Non-religion should be studied as its own formation, not just absence of religion.
- Growing cohorts of non-religious young people need distinct sociological attention.
Relational Definition Of Non-Religion
- Use relational definitions: non-religion exists in relation to religion rather than simply as its absence.
- Non-belief refers specifically to lack of belief in God or gods, not absence of all beliefs.
Kids Mix Science With Playful Beliefs
- Children in the study mostly said they didn't believe in God and often cited science like evolution or the Big Bang.
- They also enjoyed playful beliefs in ghosts, unicorns, and fairies alongside valuing caring and relationships.
