When does religion matter more as a social identity? Examining people living across Africa's arbitrary border between

Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire, this research demonstrates that political context, particularly the recent civil conflict in Côte d'Ivoire, significantly influenced how respondents perceived their religious identities. While studies of religious demographics might suggest other factors drive identity salience—like denomination proportions or institutional availability—the findings here show these explanations fall short.

Methodology:

This analysis focused on survey data collected near the border between two West African nations with similar populations but distinct political histories leading up to and during the conflict. By comparing responses from both sides, we aimed to isolate the impact of politicized religion.

Key Findings:

Côte d'Ivoire respondents displayed stronger identification with religious groups compared to those in Burkina Faso. This difference appears directly linked to their exposure to a political environment where religion was actively involved in public disputes and governance debates.

Why It Matters:

This study highlights how political instability can suddenly elevate the salience of previously less prominent social identities like religion, transforming them into politically relevant markers. These findings offer new insights for understanding identity formation during times of crisis.