Scientific versus Religious Tools? The Construction of Political Identities among American Scientists

• In Event: 1580 - Section on Sociology of Religion Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 08. Using Religion: Practical Uses of Religious Resources

Abstract

Religion is a powerful yet polarizing force in US politics with diverse implications for American public life. Religiosity not only predicts voting behavior and political party affiliation, it also shapes moral attitudes about polarizing social issues. Such polarization is particularly evident in issues related to scientific authority, including enduring tensions about evolution and climate change. Conflicts between science and religion thus often play out in the public sphere, as exemplified by recent activism among scientists in the Texas textbook debate and the March for Science. Such activism illuminates the role of scientists as political actors. It also highlights how little is known about the ways scientists construct their political identities. Religious beliefs have long been recognized as sources of morality that shape identities and attitudes. However, science can also serve as a moral force by providing a deep sense of purpose and affording cultural tools to construct social identities. Here, we use original survey data of 1,989 scientists in the US from 2015 to examine two central research questions: how do scientists draw upon both religious and scientific tools to construct their political identities? And to what extent does political ideology shape scientists’ perceptions of conflict between religion and science? Our findings suggest that science and religion are both important sources of not only knowledge but identity, with some religious beliefs and identities holding more political meaning than others. Whereas agnosticism primarily represents a religious identity, atheism is both a religious and political. Further, we found that politically conservative and politically liberal scientists draw upon religion and science differently to construct and legitimate their political identities, and they perceive conflict between religion and science differently. This study thus contributes to our understanding of scientists’ diverse perspectives and engagement in current public debates.

Authors

• Sharan Kaur Mehta, Rice University

• Robert A. Thomson, Rice University