The Relationship Between Religious Attitudes and Xenophobia: Evidence from Türkiye

Abstract

In this study, we examined whether religious attitudes have an effect on xenophobia, which we have witnessed to increase in recent years in Türkiye as well as in the world due to economic, socio-political and other factors, in terms of socio-demographic variables. In this context, our research was conducted to better understand the relationship between xenophobia and religious attitudes. Our sample group consists of 419 people aged between 18 and 56, residing in different provinces of Türkiye. These diverse demographic participants come from different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Data were collected online through Google Forms using the Personal Information Form, Religious Attitudes Scale and the Xenophobia Scale. These scales were used to assess participants' demographic information, religious attitudes and attitudes towards xenophobia. The findings of our study reveal that religious attitudes do not directly affect xenophobia in terms of variables such as age, gender, marital status and occupational status. That is, individuals' religious beliefs and the degree of these beliefs do not seem to be an important factor in determining their negative attitudes towards foreigners. Instead, other important factors behind xenophobia were analyzed. In the context of economic threat, remarkable results were obtained. Our research has documented that xenophobic attitudes are higher among individuals with low education and income levels compared to individuals with high income and education levels. This shows how important the impact of economic situation on xenophobia is. Especially in times of increased economic uncertainty and threats, individuals tend to develop negative attitudes towards foreigners. This suggests that economic insecurity may play a fundamental role in increasing xenophobia.