The Impact of Religion on Economic Ideology
Presentation
Overview
Overview
Description
Weber hypothesized that Protestant teachings were an important factor in the development of early capitalist markets in northern Europe. Research, including recent analysis of the World Values Survey, has provided mixed support. Using survey methodology and controlling for student specific factors, we examine whether and how religious affiliation, beliefs, and activity are related to support for markets (conservative economic ideology) among undergraduate students. Preliminary findings include: Protestants (more specifically, Baptists and Presbyterians, but not Methodists) are more market oriented than Catholics; those who are spiritual but not religious are the least market oriented; market orientation is associated with belief in hell, frequent prayer, attendance at worship services, attendance in religious schools, and regular reading of religious texts.
