The Power of Faith: Effects of an Imam-led Information Campaign on Labor Supply and Social Interactions

Alexandra Avdeenko, Gärtner, Jakob, Marc Gillaizeau, Ghida Karbala, Laura Montenbruck, Giulia Montresor, Atika Pasha and Galina Zudenkova

No 19724, CEPR Discussion Papers from Centre for Economic Policy Research

Abstract: We conduct a randomized controlled trial in rural Pakistan, comparing the effects of a remote awareness campaign with and without Imam-led loudspeaker endorsements on strategies to contain disease spread. Our results show that labor supply and social interactions decrease significantly only when religious leaders support the campaign, particularly among men. These results cannot be explained by differences in the mode or frequency of treatment across groups. Our findings—compatible with predictions from a model that analyzes the individual trade-off between prevention benefits and losses from forgone income—highlight the critical role of religious figures in shaping public responses to health crises.

Keywords: Labor; Health; Religion (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D80 D81 I12 I18 O10 Z12 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024-11
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