The influence of religion on economic growth in 20th and 21st centuries- A review of recent studies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15503/onis2019.35.45Keywords:
Faiths, religious systems, religiosity of societies, ethics in research, economy in the 21st century, macroeconomic indicators.Abstract
Thesis. Religion is one of the most important factors determining human behaviour and attitudes. Religious beliefs are important for economic activity, and there have been many studies analyzing the relationship between religion and economics. However, they evoke much controversy, which makes it difficult to conduct research and formulate answers to questions arising regarding the connection between religion and economics. The aim of the article is to analyze how religion can influence economic growth activity. The thesis assumes that religion influences economic growth, but it is not possible to determine its positive or negative impact. The research methodology includes analysis of secondary data - critical analysis and reception of previous publications, as well as analysis of existing data characterizing the economy, the main religious denominations in society and the level of religiosity in society.
Concepts discussed. The author has analyzed the current research on the influence of religion on the economy.
Results and conclusions. The research results show that no religion can be considered as explicitly pro- or anti-growth.
Originality. The analysis provides an answer to the question of whether religion influences economic growth, how to conduct research on the influence of religion on various aspects of economy and how to use the results of such research.
