non-religious identification survey
Why study the non-religious?
The non-religious are the fastest growing segment of the American religious landscape (American Religious Identification Survey, 2008).
In spite of this, they are viewed by Americans in a negative light when compared to other religious and minority groups. While American levels of acceptance of many outgroups has increased markedly since the mid-20th century, acceptance of Atheists has lagged behind: Americans are less willing to vote for Atheists than for other religious and minority groups (Edgell, Gerteis, & Hartmann, 2006);
Americans believe that Atheists do NOT agree with their vision of American society, more than other religious and minority groups (American Mosaic Project Survey, 2003);
Americans disapprove of their children marrying Atheists more than any other religious or minority group (American Mosaic Project Survey, 2003).
So, the non-religious are a stigmatized, ostracized group in America, in spite of the fact that they are growing at an increasing pace.
