The research question addressed in this study is how religious sexual norms influence perceptions of fairness and reciprocity. Sexual norms are socially constructed beliefs about what behaviors are acceptable and desirable regarding human sexuality and intimate relations between individuals. Religious sexual norms are specific to the belief systems that people identify with such as Catholicism, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Confucianism, Taoism, Sikhism, etc. Perceived fairness refers to one's belief that they receive an appropriate amount of resources based on their efforts, contributions, skills, and qualifications. Reciprocity refers to an individual's belief that when they give something to another person, they expect to receive something back from them.
This study builds upon previous research which found that religious norms can shape attitudes towards intergroup differences. Specifically, researchers have identified four mechanisms through which religion influences social behavior: (1) group identity; (2) internalization of values and ideology; (3) social sanctions; and (4) emotion regulation. Group identity theory posits that members of a particular religious group may perceive themselves as part of an ingroup with shared values, leading them to view other groups more negatively than members of their own group. This creates feelings of superiority over outgroups and hostility toward them. Internalization of values and ideology theories suggest that individuals internalize and accept cultural standards as their own.
Religious sexual norms dictate that sex should only occur within marriage, and those who follow these norms may hold strong views against non-marital sex. Social sanction theory states that individuals feel pressure to conform to societal norms because violating them has negative consequences, including shame, guilt, exclusion, and punishment. Emotion regulation theory suggests that emotions are influenced by culture, and religious groups often use specific rituals or practices to manage emotions in line with the group's values.
Islamic practices such as fasting during Ramadan are believed to strengthen one's faith and control emotional impulses. These mechanisms may also apply to how religious sexual norms influence perceptions of fairness and reciprocity.