The Association Between Protestantism and Economic Development in Brazil

Autores

LUAN VINICIUS BERNARDELLI; Michellon, Ednaldo; KORTT, MICHAEL A.; CHARLES, MICHAEL B.

Dados bibliográficos

Ano: 2025

Local de publicação: International Journal Of Latin American Religions

ISSN/ISBN: 25099957

DOI: 10.1007/s41603-025-00301-z

Resumo

This study examines the association between Protestantism and economic development in Brazil. A random-effects regression model was used to examine the association between Protestantism and economic development (measured by the human development index or HDI) using data drawn from the 1991, 2000, and 2010 Brazilian Censuses. Our results indicate that there is a positive association between Protestantism and the HDI in Brazil while controlling for an extensive array of factors. This association is particularly strong among the more impoverished Pentecostal Protestants, as they can gain access to religious networks that offer valuable non-religious services specifically related to employment, health, and education.