Identity dimensions and feelings towards religious outgroups among Muslim immigrants in Italy

This study conducted among Muslim first and second generation immigrants living in Italy is based on intergroup theory to examine the relationship between three identity dimensions (religious, ethnic, and national) and affective ratings of multiple religious subgroups (Catholics, Jews, non-believers and Buddhists). 204 Muslim immigrants participated in structured interviews, and a series of mixeddesign analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed. The findings showed clear differences between first and second generation: compared to second generation, the former reported higher levels of religious and ethnic identity and more negative feelings towards other religious groups (in particular, Jews, non-believers, and Buddhists). Muslim first and second generations do not differ in the affective ratings of Catholics. Furthermore, all three identity dimensions were significantly associated with feelings towards religious outgroups: 'total' Muslim identification and high ethnic identity were linked to more negative ratings of religious outgroups (Jews, non-believers), while high level of national (Italian) identity was linked to positive feelings towards outgroups among second generations. The results are discussed within the tradition of social identity theory, highlighting the salience of religion as an identity marker for intergroup relationships.