Religious Social Networks: How Upbringing and Education Shape Social Ties Over Time

Jewish communities depend on social networks to maintain cohesion and transmit identity across generations. Yet questions remain about how early religious experiences shape these networks and whether their influence endures. This study investigates whether religious upbringing and Jewish education shape social networks in adulthood and whether these effects persist or fade with age. Drawing on nationally representative data from the Pew Research Center’s “Jewish Americans in 2020” survey, we employ mediation, moderation, and moderated mediation analyses to examine relationships between religiosity in upbringing, Jewish education, age, and Jewish social networks. While religiosity in upbringing and Jewish education contribute to Jewish social networks, these effects weaken with age. Friendship networks of older people appear less shaped by upbringing and education. These findings demonstrate that religious social capital requires ongoing reinforcement. The study has practical implications for religious community stakeholders seeking to sustain intergenerational engagement and highlights the importance of developing effective strategies to encourage ongoing commitment.