Religiosity and household income in Sekhukhune. Issue 2 (4th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Öhlmann, Philipp; Hüttel, Silke
• Is Part Of: Development Southern Africa. Volume 35:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 179
• Page End: 193
• Publication Date: 2018-03-04
• Subjects: Rural households -- religion -- household income -- Zion Christian Church -- African traditional religion; O12 -- O15 -- Q12 -- Z12; Economic development -- Africa, Southern -- Periodicals; Africa, Southern -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; 338.90096805
• DOI: 10.1080/0376835X.2018.1426444
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0376-835X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Literature analysing the interrelation of religion and economic performance suggests religion to explain differences in household income. Religious communities foster economically conducive attitudes and are important sources of social capital, particularly under weak economic structures. This paper targets at investigating effects of religiosity on rural household income using survey data from Greater Sekhukhune in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Using insights from religious studies within a conceptual framework of rural household decision-making, the authors estimate an income equation that includes measures for religious affiliation. While church membership per se does not reveal a significant effect on household income, the results show a positive and robust relationship for membership in the Zion Christian Church and the practice of African traditional religion.