Abstract

This essay addresses the evidence that suggests that both the widespread presence of the two-parent biological family and Christianity are highly related to economic prosperity. The thesis draws from a variety of research studies and statistics that combing indicate their connectedness, and ofters reasons why strong families and faith may ameliorate economic growth. A growing number of economists have becmne too insular in their approach to this growth that calls for a more interdisciplinary approach to examining the forces behind healthy economic expansion. Such an interdisciplinary approach should include a variety of factors-institutions, demographics, natural resources, family dynamics, the role of faith and personal lifestyle, and other forces. A relevant case study highlights the connectton between Christianity and modernization in South Korea. The essay concludes by examining some ofthe ways that faith and family factors can be taken more seriously by economists and public policy makers.