[lbo-talk] poll: religion a comfort for the poor

[Doug Henwood]

<http://www.gallup.com/poll/116449/Religion-Provides-Emotional-Boost-World-Poor.aspx 

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March 6, 2009

Religion Provides Emotional Boost to World’s Poor
In low-income areas, religiosity linked to more enjoyment, less worry

by Steve Crabtree and Brett Pelham

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A tour of the world's most religious countries  
wouldn't be all mountaintop shrines and magnificent temples -- it  
would also take you to some pretty bleak places. Gallup Polls in 143  
countries reveal that among countries where average annual incomes are  
$2,000 or less, 92% of residents say religion is an important part of  
their daily lives. By contrast, among the richest countries surveyed  
-- those where average annual incomes are $25,000 or more -- that  
figure drops to 44%.

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