Generational differentiation in individuals belonging to a religious group in terms of religious belief, attitude and behavior

This study examines "inter-generational differentiation" affecting individuals who are the member of a religious groups, in terms of religious beliefs, attitudes and behaviours. First of all, it's clear that in the Turkish literature there has not been any periodisation study on "inter-generational differentiation" which is available to Turkish society's historical development, political past, economical processes, cultural codes and religious sensitivities. That's why, a new threefold periodization suitable for our gathered data and literatur review is reclaimed: 1) The first period includes the people born before 1960, 2) The second period includes born between 1960 and 1990 3) and last period contains the people born after 1990. In the light of this newly developed periodisation, basic factors influencing inter-generation differentiation has been detected within the framework of a field study on Erenköy congregation. These factors are as follows: Political conjuncture, economic developments, rising educational level, advances in telecommunication, media and popular culture and diversity of religious discourse. In the last part of the study, by sociologically analysing the effects of these factors, influences of inter-generational differantiation on individual's religious beliefs, attitudes and behaviours are determined.