The Social Consequences of Traditional Religion in Contemporary Africa (Etienne Le Rossignol)

Abstract : Within sub-Saharan Africa, there has been widespread adoption of Christianity. This paper examines the consequences of this for those who continue to hold traditional religious beliefs, which are a majority of the population. Using various lab-in-the-field experiments that randomize partner characteristics, we examine how individuals who believe in traditional religion are treated or viewed by others. We find that participants act less prosocially towards partners known to hold traditional religious beliefs and that the behavior is supported by antisocial norms and negative perceptions and stereotypes targeted at traditional believers. The effects are economically important, ubiquitous, and are amplified (not ameliorated) by economic development. Individual-level data from across the African continent reveal patterns consistent with our experimental findings. Individuals who believe in witchcraft have lower levels of economic well-being. We test whether, consistent with historical accounts, these effects are connected with the introduction of Christianity. We find that, within our experimental sample, the negative effects are stronger in rural villages with more historical missionary activity. Across the continent, negative perceptions of traditional religion are stronger in regions with more colonial missionary presence. Overall, our findings provide evidence consistent with descriptive accounts of Christianity leading to the stigmatization of traditional African religion and that this affects behavior and the material and social well-being of those who hold these beliefs.