What frames continuity and discontinuity of religion in families? A mixed-methods study of Finnish families in international comparison

In this article, we analyze factors framing continuity and discontinuity of religion in families based on an integrative mixed methods approach. Using three-generation family interviews with Finnish families (62 interviewees in 17 families) and survey data collected in 5 countries (N = 8,404), we searched for themes that are meaningful for continuity and discontinuity related to religion in a family. We found four overarching themes: 1) religion as a shared vs. private matter, 2) safety and closeness vs. insecurity and distance, 3) flexibility vs. static attitudes, 4) structure and meaning. The article is linked to the Templeton-funded project "The Transmission of Religion across Generations: A Comparative International Study of Continuities and Discontinuities in Family Socialization", led by Christel G & auml;rtner (University of M & uuml;nster, Germany) and co-led by Kati Tervo-Niemel & auml; (University of Eastern Finland, Finland).