However, in practice there is not a strict linear relationship between level of human rights and economic earnings. Instead a curvilinear model best describes the relationship. The poorest countries literally cannot afford to afford to maintain a system of political or civic repression as those directly above them can. Economic explanations of human rights records do serve to explain some variation, but not all. Social factors must be considered as well.
Religion is also a major social factor.
This affects level of human rights indirectly through a religious worldview. Often times these religions are very hierarchical in nature and stress the subordination of the individual to the community or state. As an example of this, Protestantism is seen as a positive force for human rights. This is seen as being related to the Protestant emphasis on the individual and the egalitarian nature of the beliefs. Additionally, the level of education and the amount of mass communication in a country can affect the level of freedom in a society.