Modeling Religious Behavior and Economic Outcome: Is the Relationship Bicausal? Evidence from a Survey of Mississippi Households

Abstract:     
This paper examines simultaneity between religious intensity and income. Most of the literature to date has examined either the impact of religion on economic outcomes or the impact of economic outcomes on religious activities. Our estimation offers evidence of a bicausal relationship. We find frequency of attendance to religious services is a normal good; low-income households are less likely to be active in religious activities; and low-religious intensity households are less likely to be in the high-income category.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 20

Keywords: religious studies, economic outcomes, human capital

JEL Classification: Z12, D12

Accepted Paper Series