Social Class

Abstract

This chapter provides a theoretically-motivated overview of the association between social class and religion, primarily in the United States. I focus on three dimensions of this association. First, social-class stratification in religious affiliation, emphasizing both change and stability in the social-class hierarchy of religious traditions. Second, social-class differences in religious belief and participation, which indicate both positive and negative associations between social class and religiosity. Third, the influence of religion on views of social stratification, which in some ways support and in other ways conflict with expectations derived from classical theory. For each of these dimensions of the association between religion and social class, I review the relevant literature and provide empirical examples using the General Social Survey. I conclude by offering suggestions for future research.