It would seem more like a method of indoctrination, which of course is a pattern of habitualized behavior. It would seem a very valid argument could be made for this due in large part to how most people follow in the same religious paths as their family historically have in the past.

Even when an individual chooses to embrace a different segment of their chosen religion, they still tend to stay within the overall confines of that particular faith, be it Christianity, Muslim, Jewish, or whatever faith they were raised in.

Familial constructs and bonds are often very strong, not to mention how the expectations of our parents too, often seem to confine and define our lives. Most people crave acceptance from their parents and choosing to go against their particular religious bent is always one of the least pleasing acts a child can do in the eyes of most parents. In many families, such a choice leads to a sense of betrayal by the parent. All too often such a choice by a child can lead to a familial rift lasting years, decades, or even a lifetime