SCORE Strand 3 White Paper on Religions and Economic Development

Research on religions and economic development is substantial and global in its scope. This White Paper consolidates research for the Social Consequences of Religions (SCORE) Strand 3 programme on Religions and Economic Development, led by the University of Cambridge. Our focus is the place of religion in economic development outcomes, the literature in this field, a meta-analysis of relevant studies, and current policy debates. The outcomes include growth and productivity, human capital formation, institutional quality, market functioning, and resilience to shocks. The evidence base has expanded rapidly but remains dispersed across disciplines and research designs. SCORE Strand 3 synthesises evidence into a mechanism-based map, which integrates results and clarifies where the evidence is strongest. These findings may be translated into research priorities that will provide guidance on commissioning future research in this area and policy engagement to help change the global conversation about religions worldwide.