Religious esteem can heighten ethnocentric animosity rather than reduce it

Evidence

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. — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 2571 (#expands, via linked claim)

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 (#expands, via linked claim)

Batson et al. (1993) reviewed 41 findings obtained across 32 different studies between 1949 and 1990 of individuals from Christian backgrounds (mostly US samples). About one-third of these studies used some form of questionnaire or interview data to make the distinction between extrinsic and intrinsic religion. In each, those who were classified as intrinsic scored lower on prejudice than those classified as extrinsic. Two-thirds of the studies used level of religious activity to make the distinction. Again, in the overwhelming majority those who were highly involved in religious activities scored lower on prejudice than those who were only moderately involved. Across these 32 studies, prejudice of several types was assessed: racial and ethnic prejudice, anti-Semitism, social distance, and ethnocentrism. Extrinsic religion (or moderate religious activity) was associated with higher prejudice on all forms, whereas intrinsic religion (or high religious activity) was associated with relatively low prejudice. It is hard to imagine stronger support for Allport’s claims. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 2539 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Religiosity correlates with inclusive attitudes despite reinforcing its own boundaries — Andrew L. Whitehead; Samuel L. Perry, Taking America Back for God, 372; Close religious kinship intensifies rather than softens interfaith hatred; Legitimized status hierarchies suppress ethnocentrism at the cost of subordinate self-esteem (+11 more)

Broader Connections

• The esteem boost from devout religion may heighten rather than reduce ethnocentric animosity. #expands (1.00) — John F. Dovidio, Peter Glick, Laurie A. Rudman, On the Nature of Prejudice, 2571
• Devout religion’s self-esteem boost may heighten rather than reduce prejudice #expands (0.97) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 2571
• Intrinsic religion robustly predicts lower prejudice across 32 studies of religious activity #complicates (0.85) — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 2539
• Self-reported religiosity predicts prosociality only outside secular Western societies #complicates (0.76) — Norenzayan, Ara, Big gods - how religion transformed…, 186