One more data point that might help, especially in contemporary American culture, is the connection between Muslims, LDS, and Atheists in their positive/negative perceptions. All three groups are viewed more negatively than positively according to Pew. There is also a decrease in actual personal connection with LDS but a rise in Muslim relationships which is interesting. Both groups were at 47% in 2019. Muslim familiarity rose to 50% in 2022 and LDS familiarity dropped to 43% in the same time frame.
For those that do know someone in the group, it's another interesting figure. Muslims and Mormons are perceived similarly by those who don't know them (10/24 and 10/22 favorable/unfavorable respectively) but once you get to know them it changes. Muslims come out more favorably, with 24% favorable and 21% unfavorable while the LDS get worse: 19% favorable and 31% unfavorable. I'm interested in that particular statistic.
My guess? Interviews like the PwA + IP are banking on unfamiliarity with both groups. It's interesting to me that Islam is looked on more favorably than the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints given familiarity. I do wonder if that has anything to do with a wariness in interaction from the start.
Yeah, great point, Ari. That should be part of the mix, for sure. I’ve followed that research, and it’s fascinating.
On your last point, there’s a tiny cynic in me that wonders if social desirability bias isn’t at play. There’s seems to be less social capital to lose in being honest about negative feelings toward “Mormons” than Muslims, because you don’t want to be seen as Islamophobic.
It’s the social desirability bias. I’ve lived and been all over the country and had people from all different backgrounds express open hostility to Mormons, and continue to do so after I politely express my cultural background. Three is really no penalty outside of the intermountain west to anti-Mormon bias.
One more data point that might help, especially in contemporary American culture, is the connection between Muslims, LDS, and Atheists in their positive/negative perceptions. All three groups are viewed more negatively than positively according to Pew. There is also a decrease in actual personal connection with LDS but a rise in Muslim relationships which is interesting. Both groups were at 47% in 2019. Muslim familiarity rose to 50% in 2022 and LDS familiarity dropped to 43% in the same time frame.
For those that do know someone in the group, it's another interesting figure. Muslims and Mormons are perceived similarly by those who don't know them (10/24 and 10/22 favorable/unfavorable respectively) but once you get to know them it changes. Muslims come out more favorably, with 24% favorable and 21% unfavorable while the LDS get worse: 19% favorable and 31% unfavorable. I'm interested in that particular statistic.
My guess? Interviews like the PwA + IP are banking on unfamiliarity with both groups. It's interesting to me that Islam is looked on more favorably than the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints given familiarity. I do wonder if that has anything to do with a wariness in interaction from the start.
Yeah, great point, Ari. That should be part of the mix, for sure. I’ve followed that research, and it’s fascinating.
On your last point, there’s a tiny cynic in me that wonders if social desirability bias isn’t at play. There’s seems to be less social capital to lose in being honest about negative feelings toward “Mormons” than Muslims, because you don’t want to be seen as Islamophobic.
It’s the social desirability bias. I’ve lived and been all over the country and had people from all different backgrounds express open hostility to Mormons, and continue to do so after I politely express my cultural background. Three is really no penalty outside of the intermountain west to anti-Mormon bias.