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We are happy to announce good news for MA and PhD applicants who missed the March deadline. We are opening the 2nd round of admissions with a new deadline August 15.

Entry requirements are:
- BA or MA degree or equivalent
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Solid background in mathematics
- Previous education in economics is recommended

Your online application must content following documents:
- Curriculum vitae
- Statement of motivation
- Copies of your diplomas and transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency level
- Contact details for two (or max. three) referees

For more information please see sections: How to apply to MAER or How to apply to PhD
In case of any question, please do not hesitate to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or see the FAQ sections for MAER or Phd

Prof. Mara P. Squicciarini

Bocconi University, Italy

Join online: https://call.lifesizecloud.com/21166729 (Passcode: 3614)

Authors: Mara P. Squicciarini, Enrico Berkes, Davide M. Coluccia, Gaia Dossi

Abstract: How do societies respond to adversity? After a negative shock, separate strands of research document either an increase in religiosity or a boost in innovation efforts. In this paper, we show that both reactions can occur at the same time, driven by different individuals within society. The setting of our study is the 1918–1919 influenza pandemic in the United States. To measure religiosity, we construct a novel indicator based on naming patterns of newborns. We measure innovation through the universe of granted patents. Exploiting plausibly exogenous county-level variation in exposure to the pandemic, we provide evidence that more-affected counties become both more religious and more innovative. Looking within counties, we uncover heterogeneous responses: individuals from more religious backgrounds further embrace religion, while those from less religious backgrounds become more likely to choose a scientific occupation. Facing adversity widens the distance in religiosity between science-oriented individuals and the rest of the population, and it increases the polarization of religious beliefs.

JEL Classification: J24, N13, Z12
Keywords: Religiosity, Science, Innovation, Great Influenza Pandemic

Full Text: Dealing with Adversity: Religiosity or Science? Evidence from the Great Influenza Pandemic