Exodus of Second Generation Haitian-American Youth from the Haitian Church: A Study of How Social and Cultural Structures Shape Ethnic Churches

Abstract

A growing trend of second generation Haitian-American youth and young adults from their Haitian congregations has prompted the question ““Why are Haitian-American youth leaving the Haitian church?” Scholars in the fields of religion, anthropology, and more specifically, divinity and theology, have framed the attrition of Haitian American youth from their respective Haitian churches under a similar question or concept. However, in the field of sociology, such a question has not been explored. Through the implementation of personal testimonies and literature across various fields, this research question aims to explore the sociopolitical, historical, linguistic, ethno-racial, cultural, and religious contexts that are influencing the exit of this cohort from their churches.