皮尤-印度的宗教：宽容与隔离（英）-2021.6_233页_4mb

Summary of "Religion in India: Tolerance and Segregation"

Core Content

This report by the Pew Research Center, released on June 29, 2021, explores the complex relationship between religion, tolerance, and segregation in India. It is based on a comprehensive survey of 29,999 Indian adults conducted between November 2019 and March 2020, before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey was conducted in 17 languages and included major religious groups such as Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and others.

The report highlights that while religion is central to Indian identity, tolerance is widely seen as a core value, with most Indians expressing a desire to respect all religions. However, segregation is also a common preference, particularly in terms of marriage, friendships, and residential areas. The findings suggest that the concept of religious tolerance in India does not always mean a desire for integration but rather coexistence within distinct religious boundaries.

Main Views and Key Findings

1. Religious Tolerance and Segregation Coexist

• Indians generally express respect for religious diversity and believe that respecting other religions is essential to being "truly Indian."
• Despite this, major religious groups (Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, etc.) often see little in common with each other and prefer to live separately.
• Religious segregation is evident in personal and social interactions, such as:
  • Interreligious marriages are rare, with 67% of Hindus and 80% of Muslims wanting to stop interreligious marriages.
  • Friendships are mostly within the same religious group.
  • Neighborhood preferences often exclude members of certain religions, with 36% of Hindus not wanting a Muslim neighbor.

2. Regional and Religious Differences in Identity and Politics

• Hindu identity is strongly linked with speaking Hindi and national identity, especially in the North and Central regions.
  • 64% of Hindus in the country say being Hindu is very important to being "truly Indian."
  • 59% of Hindus link being able to speak Hindi with being "truly Indian."
  • 80% of Hindus who strongly identify with both religion and language also say they prayed daily.
• BJP support is higher among Hindus who strongly identify with both Hindu identity and Hindi language.
  • 60% of such Hindus voted for the BJP in the 2019 elections.
  • 30% of all Hindus who voted took all three positions: valuing Hindu identity, valuing Hindi, and supporting BJP.
• Regional divides are notable:
  • North and Central regions show a stronger connection between religion, language, and national identity.
  • Southern regions are less likely to link being Hindu or speaking Hindi with national identity.

3. Muslims and Religious Identity

• Muslims are the second-largest religious group in India, with a large population and a strong sense of national pride.
  • 95% of Muslims say they are very proud to be Indian.
  • 85% of Muslims believe Indian culture is superior to others.
• Religious segregation is also common among Muslims, with 74% supporting the use of Islamic courts for family disputes.
  • These courts operate under Shariah principles and are not legally binding.
  • 59% of Muslims who support Islamic courts believe religious diversity benefits India, while 50% of those who oppose them share this view.
• Discrimination experiences vary by region:
  • 40% of Muslims in the North reported facing religious discrimination in the past 12 months.
  • 24% of Muslims overall say they have faced discrimination, similar to the 21% of Hindus who feel the same.

4. Shared Values and Beliefs Across Religions

• Despite differences in identity and politics, shared religious beliefs exist:
  • 77% of Hindus and 77% of Muslims believe in karma.
  • 32% of Christians and 81% of Hindus believe in the purifying power of the Ganges.
  • 12% of Hindus and 10% of Sikhs identify with Sufism, a mystical tradition.
  • Respecting elders is a common belief across most major religious groups.

5. Attitudes Toward Religious Diversity

• 53% of Indians believe religious diversity benefits the country, while 24% see it as harmful.
• 24% of Indians take no clear stance, saying it neither benefits nor harms.
• Hindus and Muslims are the most likely to express strong views on diversity.
• Hindus who strongly identify with national identity are more likely to express positive views on diversity, despite a desire for religious segregation.

Conclusion

The report concludes that India is a society marked by both religious tolerance and segregation, with many Indians embracing a patchwork model of coexistence rather than a melting pot. This duality is particularly evident among Hindus, who are more likely to link religion and language with national identity, and Muslims, who value Indian culture but also seek religious autonomy. The political landscape, especially under the BJP, reflects this tension, as religious identity becomes a key factor in national politics. The findings underscore the complexity of religious life in India, where shared values and segregated practices coexist.