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Hidden in plain sight: Working class and low-income atheists
Dena M Abbott1, Debra Mollen2, Jessica A Boyles1
1Department of Educational Psychology.
Journal of Counseling Psychology
|July 1, 2021
Summary
Working-class atheists develop identities similarly to privileged atheists but experience unique challenges. They often conceal their atheism due to stigma and feel less connected to the broader atheist community.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Sociology of Religion
- Qualitative Research Methods
Background:
- Atheist identity development and minority stress are increasingly studied.
- Existing research often overlooks the influence of socioeconomic status.
- Social class may significantly shape the experiences of atheists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To qualitatively explore the role of social class in atheist identity.
- To examine atheism-related minority stress among working-class and low-income individuals.
- To understand relationship dynamics within the atheist community from a class-based perspective.
Main Methods:
- Critical phenomenological design.
- In-depth interviews with 15 working-class and low-income U.S. American atheists.
- Thematic analysis to identify key experiences and patterns.
Main Results:
- Five core themes emerged: early doubts, stigma experiences, cautiousness, concealment/disclosure strategies, and individualism.
- Participants employed strategic 'outness' to navigate risks associated with their atheist identity.
- Identities developed similarly to privileged atheists, but with lower centrality and less community connection.
Conclusions:
- Social class significantly impacts the development and experience of atheist identity.
- Working-class atheists face distinct challenges regarding stigma and community engagement.
- Future research should consider socioeconomic factors in studies of non-religious identities.
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