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State Welfare Spending and Religiosity

Author

Listed:
  • Anthony Gill

    (Political Science, Box 353530, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195–3530 tgill@u.washington.edu)

  • Erik Lundsgaarde

Abstract

What accounts for cross-national variation in religiosity as measured by church attendance and non-religious rates? Examining answers from both secularization theory and the religious economy perspective, we assert that cross-national variation in religious participation is a function of government welfare spending and provide a theory that links macro-sociological outcomes with individual rationality. Churches historically have provided social welfare. As governments gradually assume many of these welfare functions, individuals with elastic preferences for spiritual goods will reduce their level of participation since the desired welfare goods can be obtained from secular sources. Cross-national data on welfare spending and religious participation show a strong negative relationship between these two variables after controlling for other aspects of modernization.

Suggested Citation

  • Anthony Gill & Erik Lundsgaarde, 2004. "State Welfare Spending and Religiosity," Rationality and Society, , vol. 16(4), pages 399-436, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ratsoc:v:16:y:2004:i:4:p:399-436
    DOI: 10.1177/1043463104046694
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mark Chaves & David E. Cann, 1992. "Regulation, Pluralism, and Religious Market Structure," Rationality and Society, , vol. 4(3), pages 272-290, July.
    2. Laurence R. Iannaccone, 1991. "The Consequences of Religious Market Structure," Rationality and Society, , vol. 3(2), pages 156-177, April.
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