Please join guest lecturer, Dr. Sascha O. Becker, for a presentation entitled “Religion and Economic Development: Past, Present, and Future” as part of the George Story Distinguished Lecture Series.

What role does religion play in economic development, both historically and today?

Religion continues to shape societal norms and institutions, such as education and politics, even after its direct influence fades. In his lecture, Dr. Becker explores how religious institutions and norms have impacted economic outcomes, focusing on both persistence and decline. He also examines cultural transmission, institutional entrenchment, networks, and religious competition as mechanisms sustaining religion's influence. 

We explore the relationship between religion and secularization, showing that economic development does not always reduce religiosity. Lastly, the lecture highlights gaps in literature and suggests future research into the evolving role of religion in economic development.

Following the lecture, attendees are invited to a small reception.

This is a free program, but a ticket is required. Please reserve your free ticket online or by calling 709-757-8090. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

 

About the Speaker:

Dr. Sascha O. Becker is a full-time professor in the Department of Economics at University of Warwick (UK,) part-time professor of Economics at Monash University (Australia), and the Xiaokai Yang Chair of Business and Economics at Monash. 

He recently finished three years as an editor of The Economic Journal and serves on editorial boards and as associate editor for various other journals. 

He is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences (UK), Fellow of the International Economic Association, Fellow of The Econometric Society, and first vice-president of the Society of Institutional and Organizational Economics. He is also a Research Fellow of IZA at Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research. 

Dr. Becker’s work on the Protestant Reformation and its relationship to literacy, human capital, and long-run economic development is among the most cited in historical economics globally.

In collaboration with Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Location: The Rooms (9 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John's, NL)

Date and Time: Thursday, Oct. 1 at 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM (NDT)

For more information: https://therooms.ca/events/george-story-distinguished-lecture-religion-and-economic-development-past-present-and-future

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