The Economics of Religion in India

31 October, 2018

Sriya Iyer

Based on a decade of research and a survey of almost six hundred religious organisations, the economist Sriya Iyer explores how growth, inequality, education, technology and social trends affect, and are affected, by religious groups. Iyer demonstrates how religious organisations substantially increased their provision of services after economic liberalisation in India and suggests that this compensated for the retreat of the state. Her data also indicates that religious violence is more common where economic growth is higher, because growth increases inequality, which sectarian politicians might exploit to encourage hostility toward other religions.

Harvard University Press, 304 pages, Rs 799