Exploring Pakistan's Social Fabric: The Relationship between Social Identities/Practices and Views on Hot Button Issues

• In Event: Macrostructures, Cultural Criminology and Crime

Abstract

Given the increase in mob/extrajudicial violence against religious minorities, this study explores the association between socioeconomic characteristics and sociopolitical attitudes within a Pakistani context, diverging from prior research primarily focused on Western countries and focusing on Pakistan as an example of a country with a state-sanctioned religion. Examining viewpoints on five controversial topics, our survey of 1000 individuals reveals a conservative-liberal continuum shaped by income, religious affiliation, patriotism, happiness, and religiosity levels. Respondents leaning conservative reported lower incomes, identified with a religion, expressed stronger patriotism, exhibited higher happiness levels, and demonstrated elevated religiosity, both in identity and practices. The analysis, with a 77.1% response rate, indicates statistical significance (p < 0.05) through one-way ANOVAs and a robust fit (overall R2 value of 0.6078) using multiple linear regression. These findings bear implications for Pakistani society, particularly in the context of increasing violence against groups perceived as religious minorities or those with views different from the mainstream Islamic interpretations. Recognizing the influence of religiosity and conservative orientations, policymakers should prioritize economic equality, religious freedom, and social cohesion. Initiatives fostering interfaith dialogue, supporting religious communities, and promoting positive social values can enhance inclusivity across ideological spectrums, fortifying the social fabric in Pakistan.

Authors

• Hannan Latif, University of Illinois Chicago

• Zonaira Khalid, University of Alabama at Birmingham

• Hamza Mannan Samad, Lahore University of Management Sciences