independent.co.uk   (07.08.2018)

New study contributes to long-standing debate about relationship between religion and prosperity

A shift away from religion may make countries more prosperous, according to a new study.

Using data on countries ranging from Albania to Zimbabwe, researchers analysed the relationship between values held by different nations and their GDPs.

They found that lack of religion tended to come before economic growth over the course of the 20th century – a discovery that partially answers a long-standing question about the impact of secularisation on the economy.

In the past sociologists have argued both sides. Some have suggested advances in technology and society have essentially displaced many of the functions of religion, while others argued the so-called “Protestant work ethic” contributed to the development of capitalism.

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