Religion and Crime

Abstract

Over the past several decades, an impressive research literature has shown that religiosity, which can be defined as a cognitive and behavioral commitment to organized religion, has a significant effect on a wide range of attitudes, behaviors, and life events. A common finding is that religion operates as a social force for reducing many negative behaviors and for buttressing many positive behaviors. When it comes to the precise relationship between religion and crime, however, the findings are somewhat more complicated. This entry is designed to introduce readers to the extensive research literature on religion and crime. It is divided into two sections. First, research on the relationship between religion and crime/deviance in free society will be reviewed. Second, research on religion and crime/deviance in the prison context will be reviewed.