Melios, G., "Religion, Identity, and Preferences"

    Title: "Religion, Identity, and Preferences"
    (co-authored with Bouke Klein Teeselink)

    Speaker: Dr. George Melios, London School of Economics

    Host:  Assistant Professor Ioannis Kospentaris, Department of Economics, Athens University of Economics and Business

    Room:  76, Patission Str., Antoniadou Wing, 3rd floor, Room A36

    Attachments: PDF icon PDF of Relevant Paper

    Abstract: This paper examines the causal effect of Catholic identification on political preferences, gender norms, and group behavior. Using clergy abuse scandals as exogenous variation in Catholicism, we analyze data from millions of U.S. college freshmen and county-level voting records. We find that de-identification with the Catholic church leads to more progressive views on social issues and gender norms, but more conservative stances on healthcare and military spending. Overall, secularization causes a left ward shift in political orientation. Catholic de-identification also reduces engagement in other group activities. As individuals disaffiliate from Catholicism, they increasingly identify with their social class, polarizing economic preferences between income groups.

    Date: 
    07/05/2026 - 15:30 to 16:45
    Research Seminar Series
    Spring Semester 2025-2026