"Ye Shall Know Them by Their Fruits": A Mixed Methods Study on Corruption, Competitiveness, and Christianity in Europe and the Americas

Historically Catholic countries and regions are more corrupt and less competitive than historically Protestant ones due to the institutionalization of religion. This book demonstrates the effect of the mutually reinforcing configuration of multiple prosperity triggers (religion–politics–environment) by applying quantitative and qualitative methods and performing a qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) of 65 countries. It also provides a comprehensive survey and results of empirical research on different theories of development, focusing on the influence of religion.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 407 pages
Publication date: 12 December 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Why are historically Catholic countries and regions generally more corrupt and less competitive than historically Protestant ones? How has institutionalization of religion influenced the prosperity of countries in Europe and the Americas?

This open-access book delves into these critical questions by exploring the hegemonic and emancipatory religious factors contributing to these disparities between countries. The book showcases up-to-date mixed methods from interdisciplinary research, contributing to existing studies in the sociology of religion field. It demonstrates, for the first time, the effect of the mutually reinforcing configuration of multiple prosperity triggers (religion, politics, and environment). Through quantitative and qualitative methods and a qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) of 65 countries, the author showcases the differences in the institutionalization of Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. Additionally, the author conducts a comprehensive survey and presents empirical research on various development theories, focusing on the influence of religion.

The book's findings shed light on the complex relationship between religion, institutionalization, and economic development. It challenges the notion that religion inherently promotes corruption and inefficiency and highlights the potential for religious institutions to foster prosperity and competitiveness. The author argues that the institutionalization of religion can influence economic outcomes by shaping social norms, promoting social cohesion, and providing resources for development.

The book's insights are particularly relevant in today's globalized world, where religion continues to play a significant role in shaping societies and economies. It provides policymakers, scholars, and practitioners with valuable tools to understand the role of religion in development and to develop strategies that promote inclusive and sustainable growth.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the relationship between religion, institutionalization, and economic development. It provides valuable insights into the factors that contribute to the differences between historically Catholic and Protestant countries and regions and highlights the potential for religious institutions to promote prosperity and competitiveness. The book's findings will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and practitioners in the fields of sociology, economics, and development studies.

Weight: 674g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030785000
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022