Endorsement of Religion-Science Conflict as an Expression of Group Solidarity among Graduate Students in the Sciences

Abstract

Why do some individuals perceive religion and science as being in conflict while others do not? Research suggests that individuals' endorsement of religion-science conflict is often as much an expression of identity and group membership as it is an intellectual assessment of the relationship. This study examines this dynamic among graduate students in five science disciplines in the United States. An analysis of original survey data finds that students who both identify strongly with science and believe that others in their scientific discipline are hostile toward religion are more likely to say that religion and science are in conflict and that they are on the side of science. This suggests that endorsements of religion-science conflict are a way for students to express solidarity with a group that is important to their identity.