Religious Education in Urban Catholic High Schools and Its Social Impact on Minority Male Youth

• In Event: 73.061 - Roundtable Session 32
  In Roundtable Session: 73.061-8 - Thought-Provoking Issues in Catholic Education

Abstract

The literature on Catholic schools finds a positive impact on academic outcomes for students (Bryk et al 1993). A need still remains to examine the impact of Catholic education on the social development of students, especially those from underserved communities. This ethnographic study uses fieldnotes; interviews; and student survey data to examine the role of religion courses and activities in two urban Catholic high schools and their impact on the social development of low-income, minority male students. Data suggests that 1) students developed social capital and pro-social norms though religious activities and prayer; 2) students engaged in religion course when instructors honored the lived experiences of students; and 3) students interrogation of social justice were inextricably linked to their context.

Author

• Ursula S. Aldana, University of San Francisco