This paper uses a modified contractual model to study the role of religion-via entry and exit costs-in shaping preferences for getting and staying married. The religions that are analyzed are two "collective" religions: Judaism and Christianity. The paper takes a historical and contemporary look...

The economics and sociology literature that deals with churches and sects provides a valuable framework when considering the social structure of environmental organizations. Iannaccone’s church-sect model provides an explanation of how rational individuals can join radical environmental...

Of all the things that sustain formal religious institutions, none is more essential than material support. Without adequate income, congregations fold, denominations fail, and the faithful flock to greener pastures. Nor is any facet of religious commitment more concrete and quantifiable. People...

In the 25-year period between 1960 and 1985, there was a great expansion of welfare state programs throughout the West. The fraction of GDP accounted for by social expenditures doubled in much of Europe and grew by 40ndash;50% in many other OECD nations. After 1985, growth in social insurance...