Factors Influencing the Perception of Minority Religious Communities (Islamic and Jewish) in the City of Quito

This research project addresses the growing religious diversity in Ecuador, primarily driven by immigration, focusing on the interaction between the Quito population and minority religious communities, specifically Islamic and Jewish groups, in Central and Northern Quito. The main objective is to determine the factors shaping local residents' perceptions of these groups, investigating whether acceptance or discrimination prevails. The methodology utilizes a mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative) with a non-experimental, cross-sectional design. Self-administered surveys will be employed to quantify the influence of identified factors. Complementarily, semi-structured interviews will be conducted to gain in-depth understanding of the social dynamics. Sampling will be random, including members of the minority communities and Quito residents living near where these communities conduct their activities, thus ensuring multifaceted data collection regarding the issue of interreligious coexistence.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To analyze the sociodemographic and contextual factors influencing the perception and level of acceptance or discrimination towards minority religious communities (Islamic and Jewish) by the general population in Central and Northern Quito.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Symbolic, ritual and religious studies