This program is interdisciplinary, focusing on the global interplay among religion, economic performance, and political variables. We explore the role of religion in the economic, political, and social development of individuals and nations. We look at the two-way causation under the following rubrics:
The effects of economic development on religion. How a nation's economic and political developments affect its level of religiosity. Does economic development cause religion to play a lesser role in the political process and in policy-making, in the legal process, as well as in social arrangements? Do state religions become less likely? How does this impact on toleration and various types of freedoms?
Another aspect is the effect of government regulation on religion in the context of subsidies and laws. What are the effects of subsidies on religion as compared to regulation of the religion market by the state? Religion can become politicized to the degree that it engages in "prophet-sharing" with the government. By contrast, where there is a weak state, or a failed state, religion becomes the primary provider of public goods. The lack of political legitimacy of a state and its ineffectiveness in providing public goods opens an opportunity for religious organizations to step in. How does this come about? Why are people willing to let religion fill the vacuum of the government?
The effects of religion on economic development. A distinction is made between religious participation and religiosity (beliefs) and how each influences individual productivity and the nature of political, economic, and cultural institutions. The evolution of religious institutions and their policies and how they impose restrictions on economic activity is topic of inquiry. The accommodation between religion and secular politics across countries is a timely topic with regard to economic growth.
Religious beliefs and rituals have distinct effects on economic performance. Some highly preliminary results on the determinants of economic growth suggest a negative effect from participation in religious rituals but a positive effect from religious beliefs. Subsequent analysis will also assess religious influences on the formation and maintenance of political institutions, including effects on democracy, the rule of law, and corruption.
An important part of our program's mission is to encourage research on religion and the social sciences by undergraduate and graduate students. Because the area of inquiry-interplay between religion and the social sciences is relatively undeveloped, we encourage the research interest of Ph.D. students who are at an early point of their studies.