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The Power of Faith: Effects of an Imam-led Information Campaign on Labor Supply and Social Interactions

Author

Listed:
  • Alexandra Avdeenko
  • Jakob Gärtner
  • Marc Gillaizeau
  • Ghida Karbala
  • Laura Montenbruck
  • Giulia Montresor
  • Atika Pasha
  • Galina Zudenkova

Abstract

We conduct a randomized controlled trial in rural Pakistan, comparing the effects of a remote awareness campaign with and without Imam-led loudspeaker endorsements on strategies to contain disease spread. Our results show that labor supply and social interactions decrease significantly only when religious leaders support the campaign, particularly among men. These results cannot be explained by differences in the mode or frequency of treatment across groups. Our findings—compatible with predictions from a model that analyzes the individual trade-off between prevention benefits and losses from forgone income—highlight the critical role of religious figures in shaping public responses to health crises.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexandra Avdeenko & Jakob Gärtner & Marc Gillaizeau & Ghida Karbala & Laura Montenbruck & Giulia Montresor & Atika Pasha & Galina Zudenkova, 2025. "The Power of Faith: Effects of an Imam-led Information Campaign on Labor Supply and Social Interactions," CRC TR 224 Discussion Paper Series crctr224_2025_621, University of Bonn and University of Mannheim, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:bon:boncrc:crctr224_2025_621
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Labor; Health; Religion;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • D80 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - General
    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General
    • Z12 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Religion

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