Superstition and Self-governance in Indian Country

Ilia Murtazashvili and Ali Palida ()
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Ilia Murtazashvili: Center for Governance and Markets, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
Ali Palida: Center for Governance and Markets, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA

Journal of Economics, Management and Religion (JEMAR), 2024, vol. 05, issue 01, 1-22

Abstract: We consider the role of superstition as a governance institution in Native American cultures. We focus on the way medicine men contribute to self-governance. Medicine men contribute to welfare of American Indians in at least two ways: improving public health and facilitating self-governing collective action. One way that medicine men contribute to collective well-being is by establishing a shared mental model. Although these models may not align with contemporary scientific accuracy, they offer practical knowledge, foster unity, and enhance the ability of Native Nations to respond to crises in an environment in which federal and state governments are unreliable or hostile.

Keywords: Superstition; self-governance; Indian country; public choice; beliefs (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1142/S2737436X2450002X

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