Sociological factors include historical trends, social class and minority groups.
Research and studies carried out between 1900 and the present day in UK, the US and Europe shows the extent and patterning of religious activities in the population and makes it possible to test theories about the causes of religious behavior.
[3] Religious observance may take the form of a religious element of a school morning assembly (e.g. prayers or hymn singing), a visit to a church for a service or a visit by a minister to a classroom where children are encouraged to join in prayer or are told that doctrinal material is fact, rather than it being discussed in a comparative or historical context.
On 3 June 2013 the Scottish Secular Society launched a petition to ensure every parent gave express permission for their child to attend RO.
[8] In 2018, the Archbishop of the Church of Cyprus suggested abolishing five religious dates marked as school holidays.