Religious friendship segregation

2022
germany

Religious friendship segregation refers to the practice of selectively forming friendships or social circles based solely on religious beliefs. This segregation can occur both informally, through personal preferences, and systematically within religious communities.

In some cases, people naturally gravitate towards forming friendships with others who share similar religious beliefs. This can be due to shared values, beliefs, and religious practices, which can promote a sense of belonging and understanding. However, when this tendency becomes exclusionary and prevents individuals from forming friendships outside their religious group, it can lead to religious friendship segregation.

Religious friendship segregation can have both positive and negative consequences. On the positive side, it can provide a supportive community that enables individuals to reinforce their beliefs and engage in religious practices together. It can also provide a sense of comfort and camaraderie among like-minded individuals.

However, the negative consequences of religious friendship segregation should also be considered. It can foster an "us versus them" mentality, leading to the isolation and exclusion of individuals from different religious backgrounds. This can perpetuate stereotypes, hinder interfaith dialogue, and inhibit understanding and tolerance among diverse religious groups. It can also limit individuals' exposure to different perspectives, cultures, and ideas, potentially hindering personal growth and empathy.

Overcoming religious friendship segregation requires a commitment to diversity and inclusivity. It involves actively seeking out friendships and social connections with individuals from different religious backgrounds, engaging in interfaith dialogue, and fostering mutual respect and understanding. Breaking down barriers between religious communities enables individuals to learn from one another, challenge preconceptions, and build bridges of understanding and acceptance.

Further reading

Kretschmer D.; Leszczensky L. (2022) "In Group Bias or Out Group Reluctance? The Interplay of Gender and Religion in Creating Religious Friendship Segregation among Muslim Youth", Social Forces, 100(3), pp. 1307-1332. Oxford University Press. DOI: 10.1093/sf/soab029

Leszczensky L.; Kretschmer D. (2022) "Religious friendship preferences of Muslim and non Muslim students in German schools: Bright boundaries everywhere or contingent on the proportion of Muslim classmates?", Social Networks, 68(), pp. 60-69. Elsevier B.V.. DOI: 10.1016/j.socnet.2021.04.005