Large-scale survey evidence suggests religiosity in many emerging economies is not declining because income volatility and financial insecurity increase demand for religious participation. Religious groups fill insurance and welfare gaps, making them resilient as economies transition.
— This challenges secularization narratives by tying religious vitality to measurable economic risk, altering how we think about development, welfare policy, and political mobilization.
Tyler Cowen
2025.08.25
100% relevant
The NBER paper highlights 'income volatility, financial insecurity, and cultural transitions' as drivers of persistent or rising religiosity.
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