The relationship between organised religion and economic growth in South Africa

Abstract

This study aims to establish the relationship between religious adherence and economic growth in South Africa. As an area of growing interest in academic circles, much of the literature on the subject reports a negative relationship between religion and economic growth, with some research aiming to prove a causational link between the two. In light of this research, the aim of this study is to promote a public policy debate around state support for organised religion, primarily in the form of tax exemption, considering the growing body of evidence that suggests the sector may impact negatively on the South African economy. This study separates respondents into three distinct groups: religious participators, believers but not formal participators, and those who are neither strong believers nor participators in religious activities. Data gathered from the 2005 World Values Survey was analysed, comparing findings from respondents in South Africa to those of the other countries sampled, and looking at individual proxies for economic growth (such as income) relative to religious adherence. The outcome showed that there are significant differences in the economic behaviour of each distinct group, with global findings differing significantly from South Africa. This raises the possibility of several future studies.