TL;DR
This book examines the impact of religious diversity on the development of capital markets and provides a comprehensive overview of the historical and contemporary relationship between religion and finance.
Table of contents
Open Table of contents
Writing Background
Ross draws on a wide range of sources, including historical documents, economic data, and interviews with financial professionals, to support her arguments. She provides a detailed overview of the history of capital markets in Europe, Asia, and the United States, and she shows how religious diversity has played a significant role in their development.
Author’s Introduction
Rebecca M. Ross, a professor of sociology at the University of California, Berkeley, has written extensively on the topics of religion and economic life. In Divine Rivals, she explores the complex interplay between these two spheres, arguing that religious diversity is a key factor in shaping the development of capital markets.
Key Insights
- Religious diversity is a key factor in shaping the development of capital markets.
- Religious norms and values can influence the behavior of investors and lenders.
- Religious institutions can play a role in providing financial services and promoting economic development.
- The relationship between religion and finance is complex and multifaceted.
Chapter Summary
- Chapter 1: Introduction: Ross introduces the main arguments of the book and provides an overview of the history of capital markets.
- Chapter 2: The Rise of Religious Diversity: Ross discusses the growth of religious diversity in Europe, Asia, and the United States, and she shows how this growth has led to the development of new financial institutions and practices.
- Chapter 3: The Impact of Religious Diversity on Capital Markets: Ross examines the impact of religious diversity on the behavior of investors and lenders. She shows that religious norms and values can influence the investment decisions of individuals and institutions.
- Chapter 4: Religious Institutions and Financial Development: Ross discusses the role of religious institutions in providing financial services and promoting economic development. She shows that religious institutions can play a key role in the development of capital markets.
- Chapter 5: The Future of Religion and Finance: Ross concludes the book by discussing the future of religion and finance. She argues that religious diversity is likely to continue to play a significant role in the development of capital markets.
Conclusion
In Divine Rivals, Rebecca M. Ross provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the relationship between religion and finance. She shows that religious diversity is a key factor in shaping the development of capital markets and that religious norms and values can influence the behavior of investors and lenders. Ross’s work is a valuable contribution to the literature on religion and economic life.
Others
Divine Rivals has been praised by scholars for its originality and rigor. It has been cited in numerous academic articles and books, and it has been featured in several media outlets, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Economist.