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National identity, religious tolerance, and group conflict: Insights from a survey experiment in Pakistan

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  • Michael Kalin

    (Yale University, USA)

  • Niloufer Siddiqui

    (University at Albany — SUNY, USA)

Abstract

Can highlighting the national contributions of a religiously marginalized group increase tolerance toward that group, even when its presence in the national identity is disputed? Research shows that prejudice can be overcome by emphasizing a superordinate identity to which members of different groups belong. Our paper investigates whether the provision of information about a religious minority group’s contribution to the nation—and in the process, reiterating to citizens the broader identity to which they all belong—can increase tolerance toward members of that group. We test the effect of randomly exposing survey respondents to factual information about Pakistan’s first Nobel Prize winner, a member of the widely ostracized Ahmadi minority sect, on support for pro-Ahmadi policies. We find that respondents overall are more willing to express tolerant views toward Ahmadis, but that this effect is attenuated (and in some cases, reversed) among respondents potentially alienated from the national identity.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Kalin & Niloufer Siddiqui, 2020. "National identity, religious tolerance, and group conflict: Insights from a survey experiment in Pakistan," Conflict Management and Peace Science, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 37(1), pages 58-82, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:compsc:v:37:y:2020:i:1:p:58-82
    DOI: 10.1177/0738894217724568
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Bansak, Kirk & Hainmueller, Jens & Hangartner, Dominik, 2016. "How economic, humanitarian, and religious concerns shape European attitudes toward asylum seekers," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 67898, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
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