The role of religiosity in delinquency among Christian and Muslim youths

• Applicant: Dr. Jan-Philip Steinmann
• Subject Area: Criminology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 569869481

The project is dedicated to investigating the relationship between religiosity and delinquency among Christian and Muslim adolescents. While religiosity is generally considered to have a delinquency-reducing effect, there is growing debate over whether this effect is universally applicable. Recent studies highlight the increased complexity of the relationship between religiosity and juvenile delinquency compared to earlier research. The primary aim of the project is to contribute to understanding this complexity (Objective 1). This involves considering the multidimensional nature of both religiosity and juvenile delinquency, as well as employing a comparative religious approach. Four perspectives (mechanistic, intersectional, contextual, and longitudinal) will be utilized to investigate the relationship between religiosity and juvenile delinquency in a theoretically sound and empirically ambitious manner. To achieve this, a representative data collection will be conducted among ninth-grade students in schools in Lower Saxony, including an additional Muslim sample (Objective 2). Additionally, the project has the potential to enhance socio-political discussions on topics such as the recent rise in juvenile delinquency, the involvement of young people with and without a migration background in delinquency, and the role of religiosity in the integration of immigrants.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Ireland
• Co-Investigator: Professor Dr. Gert Pickel
• Cooperation Partner: Professorin Dr. Sarah Carol