Witchcraft beliefs and the well-being returns to income: evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa

The relationship between income and subjective well-being (SWB) varies considerably across Sub-Saharan African countries and regions. This study examines whether this heterogeneity is systematically associated with the prevalence of witchcraft beliefs. Using data from Sub-Saharan African countries and subnational regions, we find that where witchcraft beliefs are more widespread, the association between income and SWB is significantly weaker. One plausible interpretation is that, in such contexts, economic success carries social risks and is less clearly experienced as the product of personal agency, thereby weakening the well-being gains associated with higher income. These findings suggest that the welfare returns to income are context-dependent and shaped by culturally embedded interpretations of economic success.