A recent Barna Group survey has found that among American teenagers, the US President Barack Obama and Jesus Christ get equal ranking as role models.
While the majority of teens name a relative, friend or teacher as a primary role model, a significant number also named public figures such as sports stars, actors or other celebrities.
In the study, done on teens between 13 and 17, 6% named entertainers as their role models compared to only 1% who listed science or medical professionals. Sports heroes as a whole garnered 5% of the vote, with political leaders at 4% and faith leaders also at 4.
Figures such as Lady Gaga, Oprah Winfrey, LeBron James and Paul McCartney were repeatedly named as heroes.
President Obama and Jesus Christ were also commonly named, each receiving 3% of the total vote. Teenagers such they admired Obama for his hard work and confidence, while Jesus was respected for his concern for others and being an example to follow.
“For better and worse, teens are emulating the people they know best,” said David Kinnaman, president of the Barna Group. “Many parents and youth workers fret about the role models of the next generation. Yet, one reason to remain hopeful about the development of young people is their reliance upon the people they know best: friends, relatives, teachers, pastors, and coaches.”
“At the same time, that reality underscores the insistence of many parents that they influence the people with whom their child associates, in order to be sure that their kids are surrounded by people modeling positive values and life choices,” he added.
The majority of teenagers nominated their role model based on personality traits (26%), identifying them as being caring, loving, polite, or courageous. The second biggest factor in teens’ decision for their role model was someone they could emulate or “follow in the footsteps” of (22%). Other factors included a role model accomplishing his or her goals (13%), encouraging them by helping them become a better person or being there for them (11%) and overcoming adversity (9%).
Interestingly enough, Kinnaman observed that faith and religion played a relatively minor role in the choosing of teen role models.
“Even among young Christians, their role models are virtually no different than other teenagers,” he noted.