Title: The Relationship Between Religiosity and Receptive Attitude Towards Muslims Among Japanese Students
Stream: General Psychology
Presentation Type: Virtual Presentation
Authors:
Sachiko Nakano, Yamaguchi University, Japan
Tomoko Tanaka, Okayama University, Japan
Abstract:
With a growing Muslim population in Japan, there is an increasing need to understand and foster a positive attitude to live in harmony with Muslims. However, reports show that Japanese people are confused by specific religious views of Muslims in their interactions (Nakano & Tanaka, 2017). They also refrain from discussing religion as they consider it private, keeping their distance from Muslims (Nakano & Tanaka, 2018). This study explored factors contributing to Japanese people’s acceptance of Muslims by incorporating religious views and examining their relationship with receptive attitudes. We believed that Japanese people’s views on religion would be vital in identifying their attitude toward Muslims. The questionnaire survey covered these scales: typical religiosity; curiosity; general acceptance of others, and moreover, image of Muslims; receptive attitude toward Muslims; and knowledge about Muslims. Valid responses were obtained from 194 Japanese university students. Covariance Structure Analysis showed that: (a) the stronger the religiosity about being protected by God and Buddha, the more receptive they were, (b) the more negative their view of Muslims, the lower the level of acceptance was, and (c) greater interaction and knowledge reduced negative images. Furthermore, curiosity and acceptance of others did not significantly affect receptive attitudes; this suggests that: (a) the strength of unique religiosity of Japanese people related positively to receptive attitudes toward Muslims, who were seen as highly religious, (b) although Muslims are perceived as a special out-group for Japanese, opportunities to interact or gain correct knowledge reduced negative images and fostered receptive attitudes.
Virtual Presentation
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