We investigate the role of individualistic social rules and norms in charitable giving. Individualism market societies is often criticized as corrupting morality discouraging contest that view. propose direct indirect mechanisms through which individualism increases charity. In channel, encourages self-interested contributes to charity by reinforcing economic freedom. use evidence from a large ...

Empiricists have used various editions of an economic freedom index (EFI) initially developed by Gwartney et al. (1996) [Gwartney, J., Lawson, R., Block, W., 1996. Economic Freedom of the World: 1975–1995. Fraser Institute, Vancouver.] to examine the relationship between economic freedom and other socio-economic variables, such as growth or investment. The EFI quantifies the level of particular...

One aspect of the preceding quotation has been extensively studied in the economics literature. Numerous studies have examined the relationship between economic freedom and long-run economic growth across countries.1 The other aspect of Friedman’s statement—that referring to the relationship between economic freedom and shortrun macroeconomic stability—has received relatively little attention i...

In this reply, we briefly deal with each of these issues. As Lawson points out, we cite Martin Paldam (2003) to convince skeptical readers that the economic freedom indicators provide valuable information and should be used more often in empirical research. Indeed, the change in the economic freedom indicator can be used as a proxy for the institutional changes and policies generally supported ...

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relevance of cross-country analysis of the link between specific economic freedom categories and welfare, both in terms of economic growth and the environment. First, the quality and objectivity of the economic freedom data are discussed. Second, a number of empirical conditions are identified that are needed to be aware of for a fruitful analysis. It...

What factors determine the environmental and quality of life conditions that exist in different regions of the world? What factors can explain how these conditions evolve through time? This paper empirically examines the answers to these questions, focusing on the link between economic freedom, its impact on institutional formation, and environmental quality. Compiling a new panel data set that...