Population Diversity and Economic Growth: A Meta‐Regression Analysis

Andreas Sintos

Journal of Economic Surveys, 2025, vol. 39, issue 5, 1947-1970

Abstract: In this study, we apply meta‐regression techniques to 1537 estimates derived from 83 studies that investigate the effect of population diversity on economic growth. We find a subtle inclination toward publishing results that assert a negative correlation between diversity and economic growth, indicating a mild publication bias. However, the extent and direction of this bias vary according to the specific diversity dimension considered. After adjusting for both publication bias and the methodological quality of the underlying studies, our results indicate that while ethnic and linguistic diversity exhibit a small and statistically insignificant positive effect on economic growth, the remaining diversity dimensions—namely religious, genetic, birthplace, and other forms of diversity—exert a significant positive impact on growth, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to large. Additionally, our findings reveal that the reported estimates are influenced by several factors, including the methodologies employed by researchers in measuring economic growth and diversity, the characteristics of the data and estimation techniques utilized, and the consideration of other growth‐related factors.

Date: 2025
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