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Discovering the gods of the neighborhood: A field study to reduce religious prejudice |
MENA Dubai 2003 Abstract
| Author |
Anthony Da Silva
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Discovering the gods of the neighborhood: A field study to reduce religious prejudice Anthony Da Silva In a national survey across ten cities in India (N = 6000 respondents) it was found that prejudicial stereotypes prevailed strongly between respondents of three major religions: Hindus, Muslims and Christians. However, it was also revealed that the stereotypes were not reciprocal or mutual. Hindus and Christians seemed to have stronger prejudices against the Muslims, while they perceived each other more favourably. Muslims on the other hand, indicated more favourable stereotypes towards Christians but less favourable stereotypes towards the Hindus. Lastly, Christians perceived Hindus more favourably than the Muslims.
To reduce some of these prejudices, an ongoing field study exposes students (presently only Christians) to Hindu and Muslim religious services in neighborhood temples and mosques. Interview data indicate that the exposure seems to reduce prejudice at the cognitive, affective and behavioral levels and fosters an openness to attitudinal change. |
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