University students' religiosity in the United Kingdom and Poland: An exploration of sociodemographic determinants

The present paper aims to determine and compare religiosity levels in university students (n = 2098) from the United Kingdom (n = 1010) and Poland and to attempt an explanation of how nationality differences in the cultural context and affiliations with different religious traditions influence their religiosity. The current global trends regarding religiosity are marked by diversity, with an increasing polarisation between deeply religious and non-religious individuals. This phenomenon differs across cultural and national contexts, which makes its analysis crucial for the contemporary sociology of religion. ANOVA and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to determine the effect of sociodemographic factors on religiosity. The analysis revealed significant differences in religiosity level between national groups, with the highest religiosity level among students of nationalities other than British or Polish. Command of English, age, gender, religious development and academic performance influenced religiosity level. The results suggest that university students' religiosity is a complex phenomenon, shaped by numerous variables, including nationality, religious affiliation and personal and academic experience. The understanding of these relationships may contribute to a better understanding of the role of religion in the life of contemporary societies and help adjust educational and social policies to students' diverse religious needs.