Date of Award
8-2010
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Departmental Honors
Department
Economics and Finance
Abstract
Temple worship and geographical boundaries are unique features of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Our research uses economic theory to understand how the organizational benefits of the temple recommend system and the geographical ward boundaries may solve the market failures associated with religious organizations. These features of the LDS Church will be used to create a framework for understanding how the church limits free-riding and sub-optimal participation, which would result in increased efficiency and production of large religious benefits. Because the market failures faced by the church are the same as those faced by other religious groups and similar to those faced by clubs, this research provides insights into possible solutions for groups besides the LDS church.
Recommended Citation
Bowles, Austin, "The Temple Recommend: A Solution to the Free-Rider Problem" (2010). Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects. 62.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/honors/62
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Faculty Mentor
John Gilbert