Adam, Raoul (2026) God, Politics, and Initial Teacher Education (ITE): An Exploration of Pre-service Teachers’ Socio-politico-religious Identifications. Australian Religion Studies Review, 38 (3). pp. 279-306.

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Abstract

Teacher education has an essential role in facilitating dialogue between diverse socio-politico-religious perspectives. This study used a mixed methods survey (N = 1179) to examine intragroup differences among pre-service teachers (PSTs) across the Left–Right Spectrum (LRS), the Theist–Atheist Spectrum (TAS), and identifications with Ultimate Concepts. Findings showed that PSTs tended to identify as centre left and theistic-agnostic; that gender significantly predicted TAS identification, with female PSTs more likely to be theistic; that TAS and LRS were significantly related, with theism associated with more right-leaning positions; and that PST demographics were significantly interrelated. We interpret these findings to support (a) inclusive approaches in Initial Teacher Education that represent and reconcile socio-politico-religious differences, and (b) further research on disciplinary affiliation and identity. We situate these insights within contemporary debates about the teaching profession’s role amid growing disruption and polarisation in Western democracies.

Item ID:	91004
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	2047-7058
Copyright Information:	© Equinox Publishing Ltd 2026.
Sensitivity Note:	Politico-religious sensitivities
Date Deposited:	24 Mar 2026 01:48
FoR Codes:	39 EDUCATION > 3903 Education systems > 390307 Teacher education and professional development of educators @ 50% 50 PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES > 5004 Religious studies > 500405 Religion, society and culture @ 50%
SEO Codes:	13 CULTURE AND SOCIETY > 1305 Religion > 130502 Religious philosophies and belief systems @ 50% 16 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 1603 Teaching and curriculum > 160303 Teacher and instructor development @ 50%
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