Supernatural punishment and individual social compliance across cultures

Religion, Brain & Behavior • Vol/Iss. 1 (2) • Routledge • • Published In • Pages: 119-134 •
By Bourrat, Pierrick , Atkinson, Quentin D. , Dunbar, Robin I.M.

Abstract

Derived from the fear of supernatural punishment hypothesis, this paper explores whether the prosocial attitude of a group or individuals will increase with the threat of punishment from a high god or visible supernatural agent, such as sorcerers and witches. The author found that fear of supernatural punishment did not affect prosocial behavior and suggested that religious beliefs may give rise to institutions with the task of enforcing social compliance rather than direct control.
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: danielle.russell