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The effects of religion on behaviour
Christopher Boulis
Abstract
This thesis explores the effect of family values, specifically religion, on household decision-making in three key areas of life: relationship stability and duration; asset and wealth accumulation, and the consumption of tobacco and alcohol. The effects are driven by religion beliefs, the composition of religious beliefs in couples, and the level of commitment to one’s religion. The results show that religious couples tend to have longer lasting relationships, lower wealth, and lower debt, and the lowest annual household expenditure on tobacco and alcohol and less likely to be a moderate or heavy user of tobacco or alcohol.