Work

Does Islamic Religiosity Constrain Liberal Democratic Attitudes?

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT The relationship between Islam and democracy remains contested. Although some scholars argue that the two are inherently incompatible, others maintain that they can coexist harmoniously. Although the existing literature includes a growing number of empirical studies testing these competing claims, many are constrained by limitations in data and measurement. This study revisits the classical debate by examining the observable implications of these claims at the individual level, using novel and improved survey data from a specific sociopolitical context. It argues that support for out‐group rights and demands constitutes a more valid and appropriate measure of liberal democratic attitudes than abstract conceptions of democracy. Drawing on observational data from two public opinion surveys conducted in 2015 and 2022 in a Muslim‐majority country—Türkiye—the study examines the Sunni–Turkish majority's attitudes toward the demands of the country's largest ethnic and religious minority groups, namely, Kurds and Alevis. The findings indicate limited democratic commitments among devout Muslims in the Turkish context.

Source: Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion

DOI: 10.1111/jssr.70088

Author: Zeki Sarigil

Institution: Bilkent University

Language: English

Topic: Turkey's Politics and Society

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,240