A model of state secularism

Kumar, Vikas (2014) A model of state secularism. Journal of Quality & Quantity, 48 (4). pp. 2313-2327.

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Abstract

This paper posits a minimalist state interested in taxation and religion and explores the conditions conducive to the separation of state and religion. It shows that a ruler is secular and does not favour his religion as the state religion if he is absolutely tolerant, he faces a homogeneous, co-religionist society, and/or punishing violations of the state’s religious policy is prohibitively costly. Secular rulers are accordingly classified into three types: innately, coincidentally, and instrumentally secular. In the short run, individuals are equally well-off under different secular regimes. But among rulers, instrumentally secular rulers are relatively worse-off.

Item Type:	Article
Authors:	Kumar, Vikas
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Economics of Religion, Secularism, Tolerance.
Subjects:	Religion Social sciences > Economics
Divisions:	Azim Premji University - Bengaluru > School of Development
Full Text Status:	Restricted
Related URLs:	Google Scholar
URI:	http://publications.azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/id/eprint/267
Publisher URL:	https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-013-9893-6

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