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Values, Beliefs and Development

Author

Listed:
  • Jeffry Jacob

    (St. John’s University)

  • Thomas Osang

    (SMU)

Abstract

This paper investigates the consequences of religion for economic development. In particular, we examine whether religious attitudes, beliefs, participation and preference contribute to differences in per capita income across countries. Using a large scale international survey on values and religious behavior, we estimate both cross-section and panel data models, controlling for the “deep determinants” of development: Institutions, geography and trade. Our results indicate that religion plays an important role in economic development, but mostly in a non-linear manner. Countries with moderate religious values and behavior tend to have higher income levels than countries on both ends of the religious spectrum.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeffry Jacob & Thomas Osang, 2007. "Values, Beliefs and Development," Departmental Working Papers 0705, Southern Methodist University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:smu:ecowpa:705
    as

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    File URL: https://ftp1.economics.smu.edu/WorkingPapers/2007/Osang/jacob_osang.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

    1. Panibratov, Andrei & Chen, Xinchuan, 2018. "The role of informal institutions in the internationalization process of Chinese and Russian firms," Working Papers 15115, Graduate School of Management, St. Petersburg State University.
    2. Amjad Naveed & Cong Wang, 2018. "Can religion explain cross-country differences in inequality? A global perspective," Social Choice and Welfare, Springer;The Society for Social Choice and Welfare, vol. 50(3), pages 481-518, March.
    3. Julie Salaber, 2007. "The Determinants of Sin Stock Returns: Evidence on the European Market," Working Papers halshs-00170219, HAL.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Development; Economics of Religion; Institutions; Openness; Geography;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O1 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development
    • Z12 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Religion
    • N1 - Economic History - - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics; Industrial Structure; Growth; Fluctuations
    • H1 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government
    • F1 - International Economics - - Trade

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