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Religion and Growth

Author

Listed:
  • Sascha O. Becker

    (Monash University and University of Warwick)

  • Jared Rubin

    (Chapman University)

  • Ludger Woessmann

    (University of Munich, ifo Institute; Hoover Institution, Stanford University)

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, 2023. "Religion and Growth," Working Papers 23-09, Chapman University, Economic Science Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:chu:wpaper:23-09
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    File URL: https://digitalcommons.chapman.edu/esi_working_papers/389/
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    Cited by:

    1. 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).
    2. Broadberry, Stephen & Lennard, Jason, 2024. "European business cycles and economic growth, 1300–2000," Explorations in Economic History, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).

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    JEL classification:

    • Z12 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Religion
    • O40 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - General
    • N30 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - General, International, or Comparative
    • I25 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Economic Development
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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