Witchcraft beliefs and the erosion of social capital: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa and Beyond
Journal of Development Economics • Vol/Iss. 120 • Elsevier • Amsterdam • Published In • Pages: 182-208 •
By Gershman, Boris
Hypothesis
Certain other supernatural beliefs will be significantly associated with trust for people of other religions
Note
Of the 18 variables, 8 variables were significantly correlated in some way with trust for people of different religions. The seven significant negative predictors of trust for people of different religons are regional beliefs in miracles, evil spirits, sacrifices, and juju and personal beliefs in heaven, hell, and evil spirits. The one significant positive predictors of trust for people of different religions is a regional belief in hell.
| Test Name | Support | Significance | Coefficient | Tail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OLS | Support for 8 of 10 variables - see note for directions | p<0.1 | Multiple r values | UNKNOWN |
| Variable Name | Variable Type | OCM Term(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Trust | Dependent variable | Drives And Emotions |
| Belief in Reincarnation | Independent variable | Eschatology |
| Belief in heaven | Independent variable | Eschatology |
| Belief in hell | Independent variable | Eschatology |
| Belief in angels | Independent variable | Spirits And Gods |
| Belief in miracles | Independent variable | Magic |
| Belief in evil spirits | Independent variable | Spirits And Gods |
| Belief in sacrifices | Independent variable | Prayers And Sacrifices |
| Belief in shamans | Independent variable | Shamans And Psychotherapists |
| Belief in juju | Independent variable | Magic |