Academic Paper: Attitudes Toward the Electability of Atheist and Nontraditional Religious Candidates [Including Scientologists]

ISNOINews

Independent Scientology and Nation of Islam news
Academic Paper: Attitudes Toward the Electability of Atheist and Nontraditional Religious Candidates [Including Scientologists]

One key result:

* * * * * BEGIN EXCERPT * * * * *​

"Findings suggest that atheists are not viewed as unfavorably as Scientologists (groups perceived as cults), though atheists were viewed unfavorably on all measures of trust, disgust, and fear."

* * * * * END EXCERPT * * * * *


Attitudes Toward the Electability of Atheist and Nontraditional Religious Candidates


* * * * * BEGIN EXCERPT * * * * *

WALDEN DISSERTATIONS AND DOCTORAL STUDIES

Brittany Escobedo, Walden University

Date of Conferral
2021

Degree
Ph.D.

School
Psychology

Advisor
Hedy R. Dexter

Abstract

Atheists are underrepresented in political office compared to their numbers in the general population. In the United States, anti-atheist prejudice is prevalent, likely contributing to the disparity in atheist representation. Informed by social identity theory and the sociofunctional approach to prejudice, the purpose of this study was to examine the comparative electability of atheists compared to other minority religious identities, as well as one nonminority option for a baseline reference of attitudes. Using the voter likelihood scale and three 7-point semantic differential scales, 579 participants rated their intention to vote for and their feelings of trust, disgust, and fear toward one of four political candidates representing different religious groups but who were otherwise the same candidate (Protestant, Mormon, Scientologist, and atheist) presented to them randomly. Data were analyzed using four separate 2 X 4 factorial analyses of variance. Findings suggest that atheists are not viewed as unfavorably as Scientologists (groups perceived as cults), though atheists were viewed unfavorably on all measures of trust, disgust, and fear. Generating grassroots discourse about religious minority underrepresentation in elected office, as well as the prejudicial views many Americans hold toward minority religions, may build awareness and acceptance leading to positive social change.

Recommended Citation

Escobedo, Brittany, "Attitudes Toward the Electability of Atheist and Nontraditional Religious Candidates" (2021). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 10905.
Attitudes Toward the Electability of Atheist and Nontraditional Religious Candidates

INCLUDED IN

Political Science Commons, Religion Commons, Social Psychology Common

* * * * * END EXCERPT * * * * *

Download Complete 207 Page Thesis:



Screenshot_20210831-071554_1630419912334.png


/​




 

ISNOINews

Independent Scientology and Nation of Islam news
Academic Paper: Attitudes Toward the Electability of Atheist and Nontraditional Religious Candidates [Including Scientologists]


One key result:

* * * * * BEGIN EXCERPT * * * * *


"Findings suggest that atheists are not viewed as unfavorably as Scientologists (groups perceived as cults), though atheists were viewed unfavorably on all measures of trust, disgust, and fear."

* * * * * END EXCERPT * * * * *


Attitudes Toward the Electability of Atheist and Nontraditional Religious Candidates


* * * * * BEGIN EXCERPT * * * * *

WALDEN DISSERTATIONS AND DOCTORAL STUDIES

Brittany Escobedo, Walden University

Date of Conferral
2021

Degree
Ph.D.

School
Psychology

Advisor
Hedy R. Dexter

Abstract

Atheists are underrepresented in political office compared to their numbers in the general population. In the United States, anti-atheist prejudice is prevalent, likely contributing to the disparity in atheist representation. Informed by social identity theory and the sociofunctional approach to prejudice, the purpose of this study was to examine the comparative electability of atheists compared to other minority religious identities, as well as one nonminority option for a baseline reference of attitudes. Using the voter likelihood scale and three 7-point semantic differential scales, 579 participants rated their intention to vote for and their feelings of trust, disgust, and fear toward one of four political candidates representing different religious groups but who were otherwise the same candidate (Protestant, Mormon, Scientologist, and atheist) presented to them randomly. Data were analyzed using four separate 2 X 4 factorial analyses of variance. Findings suggest that atheists are not viewed as unfavorably as Scientologists (groups perceived as cults), though atheists were viewed unfavorably on all measures of trust, disgust, and fear. Generating grassroots discourse about religious minority underrepresentation in elected office, as well as the prejudicial views many Americans hold toward minority religions, may build awareness and acceptance leading to positive social change.

Recommended Citation

Escobedo, Brittany, "Attitudes Toward the Electability of Atheist and Nontraditional Religious Candidates" (2021). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 10905.
Attitudes Toward the Electability of Atheist and Nontraditional Religious Candidates

INCLUDED IN

Political Science Commons, Religion Commons, Social Psychology Common

* * * * * END EXCERPT * * * * *

Download Complete 207 Page Thesis:




View attachment 13900


/
I want emphasize that, unlike some academic papers that I post, this one is both very recent (August 2021), and the complete Thesis is free at:


https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=12176&context=dissertations


Screenshot_20210831-071554_1630419912334.png

/
 
Top