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Witchcraft beliefs around the world: An exploratory analysis
1Department of Economics, American University, Washington, DC, United States of America.
Plos One
|November 23, 2022
Summary
Contemporary witchcraft beliefs are widespread globally, particularly in areas with weak institutions and less education. These beliefs can negatively impact social relations and economic innovation.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Cultural Anthropology
- Sociology
Background:
- Witchcraft beliefs persist globally, transcending socio-demographic groups.
- Understanding the correlates of these beliefs is crucial for cultural and social analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a new global dataset on contemporary witchcraft beliefs.
- To investigate the socio-demographic and country-level correlates of these beliefs.
- To explore the functional and dysfunctional consequences of witchcraft beliefs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a new global dataset on contemporary witchcraft beliefs.
- Conducted correlational analyses linking belief prevalence to various characteristics.
Main Results:
- Witchcraft beliefs are less common among the educated and economically secure.
- Prevalence correlates with weak institutions, conformist culture, and in-group bias.
- Beliefs are associated with disrupted social relations, anxiety, and reduced innovation.
Conclusions:
- Witchcraft beliefs may serve to maintain social order in contexts with weak governance.
- These beliefs are linked to negative individual and societal outcomes, including reduced entrepreneurship.
- Further research can explore interventions to mitigate negative impacts.
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