DIaDeRC Collaborates with CEPDeR to organise Seminar on ‘Determinants & Implications of Pentecostal Movement in Africa’

Good News:

The report on the event is FREELY accessible, including the post and YouTube video via this LINK

Brief Bio:
Daniel Sonnenstuhl is a PhD student at the Harris School, interested in public, behavioural and especially development economics. His current research investigates the impact and popularity of Christianity, cultural norms and their implications, as well as potential demand channels for self-employment. His current research projects are based in Nigeria. Previously, he studied at University College London and worked at the University of British Columbia, researching topics on public economics.

Short Abstract
The global spread of Pentecostalism is a striking example of religious dynamism. Millions of people have converted to a Pentecostal denomination, and many devotees spend a significant amount of monetary and temporal resources on church activities. Pentecostalism is especially booming in West Africa, where it has evolved into an important part of private and social life. In this project, we leverage the partnership with one of the largest Nigerian Pentecostal denominations to illuminate people’s motivations to join Pentecostal churches and the ensuing impacts on their lives. Relying on the denomination’s quasi-random proselytization activities, we can combine church records and survey data to estimate causal effects.