Devout religion’s self-esteem boost may heighten rather than reduce prejudice

Evidence

An association of devout, intrinsic religion – the form of religion that Allport thought unmade prejudice – with higher self-esteem has been frequently reported (see Batson et al. 1993, pp. 257–90; Pargament, 2002). Its association with universal tolerance and compassion is less clear. The limited research that exists suggests the opposite (e.g., Batson et al., 1993, 1999, 2001; Burris & Jackson, 2000; Deconchy, 1980; Jackson & Hunsberger, 1999). Rather than a precondition for universal tolerance and compassion, the esteem boost associated with devout, intrinsic religion may be a product of a sense of privileged status in the eyes of God. Such a sense may heighten, not diminish, religion-based ethnocentric animosity. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 2571

Categorization

• SEED: An essay angle: ‘The paradox of privileged piety’ — how the very self-worth religion grants may consolidate rather than dissolve in-group superiority.
• XREF: Qualifies Allport’s intrinsic-versus-extrinsic religion thesis; connects to moral credentialing and self-esteem-as-superiority research.