Work

Secular socialization vs. religious reactivity: effects of ethnic composition and discrimination on changing religiosity among Muslim youth

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Based on three waves of the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Survey in Four European Countries (2010-2013), we test hypotheses of religious decline and religious reactivity among Muslim youth in England, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden. The religious decline hypotheses predict that the proportion of natives in schools and neighborhoods has a negative impact on the religiosity of Muslim youth. The religious reactivity hypothesis states that Muslim youth increase their religiosity when they experience discrimination in the host country. We assess three dimensions of religiosity – service attendance, frequency of prayer, and subjective importance of religion – using linear growth models. Our findings partially support the religious decline hypotheses, particularly regarding prayer frequency. Additionally, we find that perceived discrimination is not related to prayer frequency or subjective importance of religion and, at best, predicts a decrease in service attendance rather than an increase, contradicting the religious reactivity hypothesis.

Source: Ethnic and Racial Studies

DOI: 10.1080/01419870.2024.2404250

Authors: Müge Simsek, Karen Phalet

Institutions: University of Amsterdam, KU Leuven

Language: English

Topic: Religion and Society Interactions

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek

Award: G8473309465