This article challenges the assumption that economic hardship primarily drives support for Islamist parties through their provision of social services. Instead, it posits an alternative explanation rooted in religion.

In Tunisia, a series of laboratory experiments investigated how feelings of economic strain influence voter preferences. Participants were assigned scenarios designed to evoke economic anxiety or comfort. The findings reveal a clear pattern: those experiencing simulated economic hardship showed significantly increased support for Islamist parties compared to their peers who felt financially secure.

This shift in preference appears driven by voters' perception that backing an Islamist party is intrinsically good and will be rewarded by God. Using survey questions, the researchers found that participants assigned to conditions inducing economic strain reported stronger belief in divine rewards for political choices.

Why It Matters:

This research provides crucial insights into understanding Islamist electoral success in Muslim-majority countries. By demonstrating a causal link between economic vulnerability and religious voting motivation, it offers an explanation distinct from material factors currently dominating scholarly discussions.