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Religious Involvement and Bridging Social Ties: The Role of Congregational Participation

Stephen M. Merino

Vol. 1, No. 2

Fall 2019

Pages: 291-308

DOI: 10.33929/sherm.2019.vol1.no2.10

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Abstract

Social-Scientific Research

Stephen M. Merino, Sociology of Religion, Religious Involvement, Congregational Participation, Bridging Social Capital, Intergroup Contact

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Rational Faith.png

Research indicates that religious communities are important sites for the development of social resources, including social capital. Several studies suggest that religious involvement beyond worship services is a meaningful predictor of civic engagement that may foster bridging social capital, or ties that bridge social groups and cross lines of status and identity. This article explores the relationship between religious involvement and bridging social ties. Using nationally representative survey data and a subsample of individuals who are affiliated with one particular congregation, the article examines how religious service attendance and congregational participation (beyond services) are associated with frequency of interaction with someone from one of nine different social groups that vary along dimensions of social status and identity. Congregational participation beyond services positively predicts contact with several of the groups. In contrast, service attendance is either negatively related or not at all significantly related to interaction with someone from each of these nine different social groups.

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