Professor Russ Roberts interviews Larry Iannaccone in his latest EconTalk podcast, discussing the Economics of Religion:
Larry Iannaccone of George Mason University talks with EconTalk's Russ Roberts about the economics of religion. Iannaccone explains why Americans are more religious than Europeans, why Americans became more religious after the colonies became the United States and why it can be rational and rewarding to make religious sacrifices. Join us for a fascinating exploration of the human side of religion.
I highly recommend listening to the podcast if you have any interest in in this topic. In case you're wondering, here's a definition of the Economics of Religion:
Economics of religion is a line of scholarship that seeks to explain religious behavior from an economic (or "rational choice") perspective. In contrast to other social-scientific approaches to the study of religion, the economic approach rests upon the fundamental assumptions of economic analysis: maximizing behavior, stable preferences, and market equilibrium.
In layman's terms, this approach studies religions while assuming: 1) people find personal benefit from religion, 2) religious people aren't crazy or brainwashed or irrational, and 3) there is a "religious marketplace" in which groups/denominations compete for members/congregants. Not only does this line of reasoning run counter to much research in the social sciences, it also yields quite a few surprising insights. It also does not take a condescending view of religion found in much of academia.
I am taking Professor Iannaccone's Economics of Religion class this semester and am thoroughly enjoying it! It is getting me to look at religion in a brand new way. Next week, I will be flying out to Portland, Oregon to attend my second economics of religion conference and look forward to attending again. This has been a wonderful learning experience.
Here's a link to some of Professor Iannaccone's research.
Also, I would be remiss if I did not mention that not everyone agrees with Dr. Iannaccone's conclusions...
My Previous Posts on the Economics of Religion:
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