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A model of state secularism

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  • Vikas Kumar

Abstract

This paper posits a minimalist state interested in taxation and religion and explores the conditions conducive to the separation of state and religion. It shows that a ruler is secular and does not favour his religion as the state religion if he is absolutely tolerant, he faces a homogeneous, co-religionist society, and/or punishing violations of the state’s religious policy is prohibitively costly. Secular rulers are accordingly classified into three types: innately, coincidentally, and instrumentally secular. In the short run, individuals are equally well-off under different secular regimes. But among rulers, instrumentally secular rulers are relatively worse-off. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2014

Suggested Citation

  • Vikas Kumar, 2014. "A model of state secularism," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 48(4), pages 2313-2327, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:qualqt:v:48:y:2014:i:4:p:2313-2327
    DOI: 10.1007/s11135-013-9893-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Mario Ferrero & Ronald Wintrobe (ed.), 2009. "The Political Economy of Theocracy," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-0-230-62006-3, December.
    7. Roemer, John E., 1998. "Why the poor do not expropriate the rich: an old argument in new garb," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 70(3), pages 399-424, December.
    8. Pierre Salmon, 2009. "Serving God in a Largely Theocratic Society: Rivalry and Cooperation between Church and King," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Mario Ferrero & Ronald Wintrobe (ed.), The Political Economy of Theocracy, chapter 3, pages 57-80, Palgrave Macmillan.
    9. Vikas Kumar, 2008. "A Critical review of economic analyses of religion," Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Mumbai Working Papers 2008-023, Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Mumbai, India.
    10. Iannaccone, Laurence R, 1992. "Sacrifice and Stigma: Reducing Free-Riding in Cults, Communes, and Other Collectives," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 100(2), pages 271-291, April.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D79 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Other
    • K39 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - Other
    • Z12 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Religion

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