A More Perfect Union? Christian Nationalism and Support for Same-sex Unions

Bibliographic Data

ID2363345
AuthorsAndrew L Whitehead (0000-0001-6587-0996, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA), L Perry (0000-0002-6398-636X, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA), Samuel L Perry
Year2015
Volume58
Issue3
Pages422-440
Publication date2015-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSociological Perspectives (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0731-1214 • E-ISSN: 1533-8673
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/0731121415577724
OpenAlexW2010521188
LanguageEN
Citations received87
References cited44

How do overlapping social identities shape Americans' views toward contemporary social and moral issues? Drawing upon national-level data and employing the theoretical construct of social identity complexity, we examine the link between Christian nationalism-representing a convergence of national and religious identities-and Americans' views toward same-sex marriage and civil unions. Multivariate analyses reveal that greater adherence to Christian nationalism is strongly and negatively related to support for both same-sex marriage and civil unions, even after controlling for political ideology, religious controls, attribution of homosexuality, and other relevant correlates. We argue that Christian nationalists, who by definition internalize a high degree of overlap between political and religious identities, are more likely to see gays and lesbians as out-groups and same-sex unions as a threat to their sense of self and community. We conclude by discussing the implications of this study for future research on political and religious identities and intolerance toward socially marginalized populations

Collective identity · Homosexuality · Ideology · National identity · Nationalism · Political science · Politics · Religiosity · Religious identity · Sociology · Electoral Systems and Political Participation · Gender Studies · Law · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Psychology · Religion and Society Interactions · Social Psychology

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