Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Sociology
Date of Award
12-2023
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Kelly Foster, Martha Copp
Committee Members
Joseph Baker
Abstract
Theories of microaggressions have been used in the last decade as a framework for studying subtle forms of discrimination against racial minorities and other marginalized groups. However, there is a dearth of research on the scope and types of microaggressions nontheists face. This qualitative study examines microaggressions against nontheists by interviewing 16 religious Christians on their experiences and opinions of the discrimination Christians and nontheists face. The narratives were analyzed for thematic patterns between the rhetoric used and the type of microaggressions employed. The study revealed nine categories of microaggressions. The findings also showed how experiences of discrimination, political viewpoint, and understanding power structures affected religious Christians’ perceptions of the discrimination nontheists may or may not experience. Knowing how anti-nontheist microaggressions are rhetorically framed contributes to the study of larger patterns of prejudice and discrimination against nontheists.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Hall, Nicole Dolfi, "What Discrimination? Christian Microaggression Rhetoric Against Nontheists" (2023). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 4268. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/4268
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.