The Oracle: 12 Steps Forward, 1 Step Back
Lynn Robinson
July 1, 1998
For a growing number of Americans, small group involvement marks what sociologist 'Robert Wuthnow has described as a "quiet revolution" in our community and religious life. Small groups include everything from AA ministering to recovering alcoholics to congregation-based Bible studies nurturing the devout to Weigh Down programs supporting those who wish to topple the idol of food—the organizing principles are as boundless as the human imagination.
There are some common patterns, however. These groups create a sociable space between the demanding intimacy of family life and the impersonal coldness of economic and political life. The ease of entrance and exit fits well with a highly mobile and diverse society. And there is a great deal of talk about the self within these groups because people who are highly I mobile, with few ascribed identities, must constantly work to build their identities.
According to The Small Group Survey, 35 percent of Americans of age 18 through 34 belong to some kind of organized small group. While this may seem quite large, our age group is actually under-represented: 40 percent of the general American population belong to small groups (Table 1.) The reasons for joining cut across religious and non-religious groups (Table 2), though there are some differences. Members of church-based groups are significantly less likely to be "having problems with spouse/family"—that's nice to hear, as is the news that church group members struggle less with guilt than others (19% versus 26%). On the other hand, members of church-based groups are slightly more likely to be “anxious," "feeling sad or depressed," or in need of "emotional support." Hmmm.
Religion, or its residue at least, clings even to groups that ...
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