Religious extremism
Subtitle: the good, the bad, and the deadly
By: Eli Berman, Laurence R. Iannaccone.
Contributors: Iannaccone, Laurence.; National Bureau of Economic Research.
Series: NBER working paper series ;; working paper 11663; Working paper series (National Bureau of Economic Research : Online) ;; working paper no. 11663.
Publisher: National Bureau of Economic Research
Published: 2005
Place of publication: Cambridge, MA
Language: eng
Format: Electronic resource
Subjects: Religious fanaticism.; Religious fundamentalism.; Religion -- Economic aspects.; Religion -- Social aspects..
Description: "This paper challenges conventional views of violent religious extremism, particularly those that emphasize militant theology.  We offer an alternative analysis that helps explain the persistent demand for religion, the different types of religious that naturally arise, and the special attributes of the "sectarian" type.  Sects are adept at producing club goods both spiritual and material.  Where governments and economies function poorly, sects often become major suppliers of social services, political action, and coercive force.  Their success as providers is much more due to the advantages of their organizational structure than it is to their theology.  Religious militancy is most effectively controlled through a combination of policies that raise the direct costs of violence, foster religious competition, improve social services, and encourage private enterprise"--National Bureau of Economic Research web site.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references.
Title from PDF file as viewed on 10/14/2005.
Also available in print.
System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Mode of access: World Wide Web.