Belief, Behavior, and Belonging: How Religious Involvement Influences Attitudes toward Homosexuality in 40 Countries

• In Event: 262 - Section on Sociology of Religion Roundtables (one-hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Section on Sociology of Religion Roundtables (one-hour). Table 01. Sexuality and Views of Sexuality

Abstract

Objective. This research examines the thesis that religious involvement decreases tolerance of homosexuality. I disentangle complex religious mechanisms by employing a three-dimensional framework—religious behavior, beliefs, and belonging—to identify discrepancies between the three religious dimensions. I also investigate how the major religion in a country and its association with individual religious belonging affect citizens’ sexual attitudes. Data and Methods. Using data from the 2008 International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) survey for people in 40 countries, I employ hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) to analyze variation in tolerance toward homosexuality at both individual and country levels. Results. Religious involvement generally reduces tolerance toward homosexuality. However, the effects of religious behaviors and beliefs vary greatly across religions. Increased religious behaviors, religiosity, and intolerance to other religions consistently reduce Protestants’ attitudes, contrast to other Western religious believers whose tolerance to homosexuality is only negatively associated with their beliefs. Surprisingly, frequent religious behaviors increase Muslims’ tolerance toward homosexuality, but their religious beliefs have the opposite effects. At the national level, predominantly Catholic countries have significantly more tolerance of homosexuality. In countries where Protestants are not dominant, being Protestant reduces tolerance; however, in countries where Protestants dominate, Protestants are more likely to express tolerance to homosexuality. Conclusions. Believers’ attitudes toward homosexuality are varyingly shaped by three dimensions of religion, national-level factors, and their interactions. Future cross-national studies of religion and homosexuality can further explore the nuances in Islam and Eastern religions, which have been silenced or distorted in Christian-centered literature.

Author

• Ying-Chao Kao, State University of New Jersey-Rutgers