THE ROLE OF RELIGIOSITY IN SHAPING ATTITUDES TOWARDS CAPITAL PUNISHMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF FEAR OF TERRORISM
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Abstract
The research investigates the attitudes towards capital punishment in the context of fear of terrorism with moderation of religiosity. This study has applied the theory of terror management to understand how religious beliefs shape the fear of terrorism and attitudes toward capital punishment. The data collection was conducted in twin cities of Pakistan i.e., Islamabad/ Rawalpindi. A sample of lawyers participated in this study. The findings of the study indicated a significant impact of fear of terrorism on capital punishment, meaning respondents favored the capital punishment for terrorists. Terror management theory offers an understanding that how religion is used as means to address humans’ limitations, especially in mitigating death anxiety by addressing death awareness. Results from this study confirmed that low religiosity leads to attitudes in favor of capital punishment. While people with high religiosity use death awareness and immortality as their psychological security and do not favor capital punishment. The paper concluded by discussing findings, contributions, limitations, and implications for future research.
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