Academic research has shown that students who feel included in their religious education environment have greater self-esteem and motivation to succeed academically.
This is not always the case for all students, especially those from marginalized groups such as women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color. These students may experience exclusion based on gender roles, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, ability status, or socioeconomic background, which can lead to lower self-confidence and reduced academic ambitions. This essay will explore how experiences of exclusion in religious education environments impact self-efficacy and academic aspirations.
Religious education plays an important role in shaping students' worldviews and values. It provides opportunities for spiritual growth, socialization, and moral development. Unfortunately, some religious institutions exclude certain groups of people, creating barriers to participation and causing negative effects on wellbeing. According to a study published in "Journal of Religion and Health," excluded individuals are more likely to report feelings of low self-worth and increased anxiety. This can affect their academic performance by limiting their confidence in their abilities and reducing their willingness to pursue higher education.
Experiences of exclusion in religious education can be particularly damaging for women.
Women may face sexism in leadership positions, stereotypical expectations about family life, and limitations on speaking time during worship services. A recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 43% of female participants reported feeling like they were treated unfairly at their place of worship due to their gender. This can lead to decreased self-esteem and reduced motivation to excel academically. Women who feel undervalued may not see themselves as capable of achieving academic success.
LGBTQ+ individuals may experience rejection from religious communities because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. They may be told that their love is sinful or that they cannot fully participate in church activities. This can cause emotional distress, leading to lower academic aspirations. Studies have shown that LGBTQ+ students who feel rejected by their peers and teachers are less likely to graduate high school and enroll in college than those who do not. Exclusion based on race can also impact self-efficacy. People of color may face microaggressions, stereotypes, and discrimination within religious environments, leading to feelings of alienation and reduced academic ambitions.
Economic disadvantage can create barriers to participation in religious education. Low-income families may struggle to afford tuition fees or transportation costs, limiting their children's access to faith-based learning opportunities. This can reduce self-confidence and decrease academic achievement. According to a study published in "The Journal of Human Resources," students from low-income backgrounds tend to score lower on standardized tests compared to their wealthier peers, partly due to limited educational resources.
Experiences of exclusion in religious education can negatively affect self-efficacy and academic aspirations for all types of students. It is crucial that institutions provide welcoming environments where everyone feels valued and included. By doing so, we can promote healthy development and increase academic success among our future leaders.
How do experiences of exclusion in religious education environments influence self-efficacy and academic aspirations?
Experiences of exclusion in religious education environments can lead to negative impacts on students' self-efficacy and academic aspirations. Students who feel marginalized and not fully accepted by their peers may develop lower levels of confidence and motivation in themselves as learners, potentially leading them to pursue fewer challenging courses or educational opportunities later on.