Does diversity help?: Relating religious pluralism to the income differences among selected Asian countries

• Main Authors: Ang, Alddon Christner C., Suguitan, Everic Mikhail
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2009
• Subjects: Income distribution > Asia
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_honors/350
• Institution: De La Salle University

Income inequality is one of the major problems not only of developing countries but developed countries as well. In order to help determine reasons causing this disturbing situation, numerous studies have been done on the usual economic factors. It is until recently, however, that cultural and religious aspects have been considered. Drawing closer to home, this study provides a panel analysis on how religious diversity affects income distribution in the Asia region. Findings show that religious diversity helps through social welfare. By pursuing perfect competition in the market of religion, the different denominations will be forced to provide more services, more programs that are for the benefit of the society, especially the poor. Therefore, diversity does help.