A new study published in the American Sociological Review, found that Muslims and Hindus “are more likely than Christians and Jews to refrain from sex outside of marriage”. More specifically, the data shows:
Those who report having premarital sex:
- 94% of Jews
- 79% of Christians
- 65% of Buddhists
- 43% of Muslims
- 19% of Hindus
Those who report having extramarital sex:
- 4% of Jews
- 3% of Christians
- Less than 1% of Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists
So What?
While this research is important, it is focused on developing nations. The data (31 nations collected in the early 2000s) used comes from the Demographic and Health Surveys funded by the US Agency for International Development. It also assumes that all major world religions teach that sex is intended to occur in the context of marriage.
- Why do you think Christians and Jews experienced much higher rates of sex outside of marriage than Muslims or Hindus?
- Do you think a similar gap exists in the US? Why or why not?
- How would you define your understanding of your religion’s view of sex outside of marriage?