Congregational Diversity and Race Relations in America

• In Event: 305 - Section on Sociology of Religion Paper Session. Race, Immigration, and Religion

Abstract

Abstract: Objective. Research suggests that congregational characteristics are associated the racial attitudes of American churchgoers. This study examines the relationship of congregation size to beliefs about the Black/White socioeconomic gap. Method. Drawing upon data from the General Social Survey and National Congregations Study, we fit binary logistic regression models to estimate the association between congregational size and Americans’ explanations of Black/White economic inequality. Results. Findings reveal that attendees of larger congregations are less likely than attendees of smaller congregations to explain racial inequality as the result of structural factors (e.g., discrimination, lack of educational opportunities). Attendees of larger congregations, however, are no different than those in smaller congregations in their likelihood of explaining racial inequality in terms of personal motivation. Conclusion. Despite the growing diversity in larger congregations in America, such congregations may steer attendees’ views about racial inequality away from systemic/structural factors, which may attenuate the ability of such congregations to bridge racial divisions.

Authors

• Ryon J. Cobb, University of Southern California

• Kevin D. Dougherty, Baylor University