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An Economic Theory Of Church Strictness

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  • Pedro Pita Barros

    (Universidade Nova de Lisboa and Centre for Economic Policy Research)

  • Nuno Garoupa

    (Universidade Nova de Lisboa and Centre for Economic Policy Research)

Abstract

This paper introduces spatial--location models into the economics of religion. We offer a new explanation for the observed tendency of state (monopoly) churches to locate toward the "low--tension" end of the "strictness continuum"; obtained through the conjunction of "benevolent preferences" (denominations care about the aggregate utility of members) and asymmetric costs of going to a more or less strict church than one prefers. We derive implications regarding the relationship between religious strictness and membership. Religious market interactions and asymmetric costs of membership, highlight new explanations for some well--established stylised facts, opening the way to new empirical comparisons with more traditional explanations. Copyright 2002 Royal Economic Society

Suggested Citation

  • Pedro Pita Barros & Nuno Garoupa, 2002. "An Economic Theory Of Church Strictness," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 112(481), pages 559-576, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecj:econjl:v:112:y:2002:i:481:p:559-576
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    References listed on IDEAS

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