Racial Differences in the Association between Religious Affiliation and Support for Capital Punishment among U.S. Adults

Harry Malcoun

Live Poster Session: https://wesleyan.zoom.us/j/95795462633

Abstract: This project investigates the relationship between religious affiliation and support for the death penalty using data from the 2024 General Social Survey. Bivariate analyses indicate that support for the death penalty varies across religious groups, and these differences shift when accounting for race, suggesting a conditional relationship. Results from a multiple logistic regression model show that, compared to Catholics, individuals who are Non-Affiliated or belong to Other Faiths have significantly lower odds of supporting the death penalty, while Christians and Jewish respondents are not significantly different. Race emerges as a strong predictor, with White and Other respondents having higher odds of support compared to Black respondents. Additionally, age is positively associated with support, while higher degree attainment is associated with lower support. Overall, the findings suggest that attitudes toward the death penalty are shaped by the combined influence of religion, race, and demographic factors, with religion maintaining an independent association even after controlling for key covariates.

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