Pentecostalism as an Informal Political Institution: Experimental Evidence from Ghana. Issue 4 (18th July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McCauley, John F.
• Is Part Of: Politics and religion. Volume 7:Issue 4(2014)
• Page Start: 761
• Page End: 787
• Publication Date: 2014-07-18
• Subjects: Religion and politics -- Periodicals; 322.105
• DOI: 10.1017/S1755048314000480
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-0483

Abstract

Abstract: Informal institutions continue to govern political exchange in Africa, but the traditional, ethnic-based form of "big man rule" is now threatened by an alternative informal institution — charismatic Pentecostalism. This study evaluates the status of Pentecostalism empirically, in a micro-level experiment in Ghana. Using data from a variant of the dictator game, in which participants divide a resource endowment with randomly assigned partners as well as cultural leaders, the study provides evidence of Pentecostal exclusivity, excessive allegiance to leaders, and a shift away from ethnic-based patronage to Pentecostal patronage. As Pentecostalism continues to expand, these findings suggest a modification in the exchange of resources for loyalty in Africa, and grounds for viewing the movement as a new form of big man rule in the region.