Interpersonal attraction and religious identification: a comparative analysis of Muslims and Hindus in India

Abstract

This study compared whether an individual is more likely to perceive interpersonal attraction toward a member of his/her own or a different religious group. Self-identified Hindus (N=526) and self-identified Muslims (N=301) in India participated in the study. Results indicate members of a religious group (Hindus and Muslims) are significantly more likely to perceive physical, social, and task attraction for members of their own religious group than for individuals from another religious group. These results support an ethnic group vitality and in-group/out-group dichotomy.

Keywords:

• interpersonal attraction
• in-group/out-group
• religion
• ethnic group vitality
• India

Notes

1. For ease and speed of survey completion, age was a categorical variable in this study.