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Culture: persistence and evolution

Author

Listed:
  • Francesco Giavazzi

    (Igier-Bocconi University, Cepr and Nber
    Universita’ Bocconi and IGIER)

  • Ivan Petkov

    (Northeastern University
    Northeastern University)

  • Fabio Schiantarelli

    (Boston College and IZA
    Boston College)

Abstract

This paper documents the speed of evolution (or lack thereof) of a range of values and beliefs of different generations of US immigrants, and interprets the evidence in the light of a model of socialization and identity choice. Convergence to the norm differs greatly across cultural attitudes. Moreover, results obtained studying higher generation immigrants differ from those found when the analysis is limited to the second generation and imply a lower degree of persistence than previously thought. Persistence is also country specific, in the sense that the country of origin of one’s ancestors matters for the pattern of generational convergence.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesco Giavazzi & Ivan Petkov & Fabio Schiantarelli, 2019. "Culture: persistence and evolution," Journal of Economic Growth, Springer, vol. 24(2), pages 117-154, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jecgro:v:24:y:2019:i:2:d:10.1007_s10887-019-09166-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10887-019-09166-2
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Culture; Values; Beliefs; Transmission; Persistence; Evolution; Immigration; Integration;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A13 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Social Values
    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • J00 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General - - - General
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers
    • Z1 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics

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