Understanding cultural persistence and change

Review of Economic Studies • Vol/Iss. 88 • Oxford University Press • • Published In • Pages: 1541-1581 •
By Guiliano, Paola , Nunn, Nathan

Abstract

Derived from the evolutionary anthropology theory, this study examines the difference of importance placed on traditions and customs between cultures. The authors found that descendants from regions with less climatic stability place less emphasis on tradition and customs than those from more stable environments. The authors suggest that with climatic stability, the traditions and customs which have evolved and benefited the previous generations will be passed on to the next, therefore promoting cultural persistence.

Note

For the purpose of EHC, only the cross-cultural hypotheses are listed below.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Ethnographic Atlas (EA)Other researchersHistorical location of ethnic groups
World Values Survey (WVS)Other researchersImportance of tradition
Mann et. al (2009)CombinationClimate data
Cook et. al Other researchersClimate data

Hypotheses (3)

HypothesisSupported
The greater climatic instability was over generations, the less value a society will place on traditions and customs.Supported
The persistence of female gender attitudes, practice of consanguineous marriage, and practice of polygamy will be weaker in countries with greater ancestral climatic instability.Supported
The greater the ancestral climatic instability, the less likely indigenous populations of the United States will speak their traditional language at home.Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: danielle.russell