Issues in Measuring Religiosity -Deen Taposh PREPARED FOR 2ND ERG SUMMER CONFERENCE 2016 M.A. (Carleton University. Ottawa), Economist (National Research Council, Ottawa)

Why a Country Specific Study is Needed? A country specific analysis preferred over a cross-country analysis as the influence can, also, vary among different countries with similar religious profile Although there exist a number of qualitative analysis on the issue, very few quantitative studies exist which could be used in both micro and macro policy settings. The quantitative ones that exist could be supported with a series of impact analyses for better understanding of a number of behavioral aspects.

What’s Happening in Literature? Harrington and Keenan (2005) argue that religion promote egalitarian distribution of resources. Wallis (2005), also, agrees with Harrington and Keenan (2005). Marx (1978) stated that lack of religious practices secularize the political thinking. Huntington (1989) highlights the role that Catholics played in Latin America’s democratic transition

Why a Multi-dimensional Index? Creating a multidimensional index can have two aspects: - first, each dimension contributes to measure this apparent latent variable; - second, considering multiple aspects could increase reliability and reduce random errors and inconsistencies.

The Index Idea Source: Glock (1962) Where, =Practice, =Consequence =Belief, =Knowledge, =Experience, =Practice, =Consequence

Tentative Survey Questions (Dimension of Glock, 1962) Belief Knowledge 1. To what extent do you believe that God Exist?   2. To what extent do you believe in an afterlife? 3. To what extent Do you believe in Higher Power? 1. How interested you are in learning religious topic? 2. How often do you think about religious issues? 3. How often do you keep yourself informed about religious questions through radio, television, internet, newspapers or books?

Tentative Survey Questions (Dimension of Glock, 1962) Experience Practice 1. How often do you experience situation in which you have the feeling that God or something divine wants to communicate or to reveal something to you?   2. How often do you experience situations in which you have the feeling that God or something divine is present? 3. How often do you experience situations in which you have the feeling that you are touched by a divine power? 1. How interested you are in learning religious topic? 2. How often do you think about religious issues? 3. How often do you keep yourself informed about religious questions through radio, television, internet, newspapers or books?

Tentative Survey Questions (Dimension of Glock, 1962) Consequence 1. Do you think about ‘interest’ when taking banking decision?   2. Do you think a religious man will make a good political leader? 3. Do you follow religious norms and regulations while eating?

Some Facts, Puzzling? (World Values Survey-various years)

Impact ECONOMIC SOCIAL POLITICAL Causation (Secularization Hypothesis), Social Desirability Effect, Well-disguised questions, Phrasing, Pocket-book Issues Etc.

Why Quantitative Method and Why Bangladesh? Precise Hypothesis Testing and Less Theoretical Bias. (Brink. 1995) The country started its journey on a secular basis of nationhood, guaranteeing the fact that everyone is free to observe and practice their own religion. (is it the reason for the puzzle?) Are we as secular as we claim? How is the religiosity index is behaving with Social and Economic Growth?