Religious (In)Congruence in Faith-Based Social Service Provision

• In Event: Sociology of Religion Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 4. Religiosity: Its Influence and Measurement

Abstract

The role of faith-based organizations (FBOs) in the US welfare system has grown over the past several decades. One supposed advantage of FBOs is their ability to serve highly disadvantaged groups. I question such prevailing assumptions by drawing on 44 interviews with social service recipients in Houston, Texas. I find that religious service recipients from disadvantaged neighborhoods often avoid visiting FBOs because they perceive them to be judgmental or less-than-compassionate. I argue that this avoidance stems from the high standards they have for religious in-group members. Conversely, I find that non-religious service recipients often prefer FBOs to other service providers. I highlight the implications of this preference for religious (in)congruence for our understanding of the role of FBOs in the social safety net.

Author

• Daniel Bolger, Southern Methodist University