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Religion and Growth

Author

Listed:
  • Sascha O. Becker
  • Jared Rubin
  • Ludger Woessmann

Abstract

We use the elements of a macroeconomic production function—physical capital, human capital, labor, and technology—together with standard growth models to frame the role of religion in economic growth. Unifying a growing literature, we argue that religion can enhance or impinge upon economic growth through all four elements because it shapes individual preferences, societal norms, and institutions. Religion affects physical capital accumulation by influencing thrift and financial development. It affects human capital through both religious and secular education. It affects population and labor by influencing work effort, fertility, and the demographic transition. And it affects total factor productivity by constraining or unleashing technological change and through rituals, legal institutions, political economy, and conflict. Synthesizing a disjoint literature in this way opens many interesting directions for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Sascha O. Becker & Jared Rubin & Ludger Woessmann, 2024. "Religion and Growth," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 62(3), pages 1094-1142, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:jeclit:v:62:y:2024:i:3:p:1094-1142
    DOI: 10.1257/jel.20231666
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    Cited by:

    1. Brummund, Peter & Makowsky, Michael D., 2026. "Labor market monopsony and local clubs: Evidence from Indonesia," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 241(C).
    2. Becker, Sascha O. & Won, Cheongyeon, 2024. "Conquering Korea for Jesus: Protestant missionaries, local churches, and literacy in Colonial Korea," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    3. Bentzen, Jeanet Sinding & Boberg-Fazlic, Nina & Sharp, Paul & Skovsgaard, Christian Volmar & Vedel, Christian, 2026. "Holy cows and spilled milk: The impact of religious missions on firm-level productivity," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 179(C).
    4. Leonard Kukić & Yasin Arslantas, 2026. "Peasants into Muslims: Poverty and conversions to Islam in Ottoman Bosnia," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 79(2), pages 600-633, May.
    5. Broadberry, Stephen & Lennard, Jason, 2024. "European business cycles and economic growth, 1300–2000," Explorations in Economic History, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • E22 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Investment; Capital; Intangible Capital; Capacity
    • I25 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Economic Development
    • J10 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - General
    • N30 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - General, International, or Comparative
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • O43 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Institutions and Growth
    • Z12 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Religion

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