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Measuring Tight and Loose Cultures across NUTS-2 Regions: The Regional Index of Looseness

Author

Listed:
  • Vincenzo Alfano
  • Salvatore Ercolano

Abstract

This investigation quantifies the levels of cultural tightness and looseness prevalent in European societies, focusing on NUTS-2 regional divisions. Cultural dynamics occupy a pivotal role in shaping individual decision-making, particularly when addressing global risks like pandemics, environmental crises, and resource depletion. In an innovative approach, we introduce the Regional Index of Looseness (RIL) as a means to operationalize society's positioning along the spectrum of tightness-looseness. In contrast to previous cross-country studies, we harness regional data to acknowledge the intrinsic regional variations within European nations. The RIL index appraises two facets of looseness: the horizontal and vertical dimensions, providing a more nuanced understanding of societal values. The application of the RIL index to the investigation of its impact on vaccination choices and the effectiveness of NPIs offers invaluable insights for policymakers grappling with the management of global risks. This research presents a novel perspective at the regional level and scrutinizes the multi-dimensional aspects of cultural tightness and looseness.

Suggested Citation

  • Vincenzo Alfano & Salvatore Ercolano, 2023. "Measuring Tight and Loose Cultures across NUTS-2 Regions: The Regional Index of Looseness," CESifo Working Paper Series 10731, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_10731
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Au, Kevin Y., 2000. "Intra-cultural variation as another construct of international management: a study based on secondary data of 42 countries," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 6(3), pages 217-238.
    3. Vincenzo Alfano, 2022. "Work ethics, stay-at-home measures and COVID-19 diffusion," The European Journal of Health Economics, Springer;Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gesundheitsökonomie (DGGÖ), vol. 23(5), pages 893-901, July.
    4. Vincenzo Alfano, 2022. "Does social capital enforce social distancing? The role of bridging and bonding social capital in the evolution of the pandemic," Economia Politica: Journal of Analytical and Institutional Economics, Springer;Fondazione Edison, vol. 39(3), pages 839-859, October.
    5. Reinhard Schunck, 2013. "Within and between estimates in random-effects models: Advantages and drawbacks of correlated random effects and hybrid models," Stata Journal, StataCorp LP, vol. 13(1), pages 65-76, March.
    6. Xu Huang & Evert Van de Vliert, 2002. "Intrinsic Job Rewards at Country-level and Individual-level Codetermine Job Satisfaction," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 33(2), pages 385-394, June.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    tightness; looseness; culture; regional studies;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification
    • O57 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Comparative Studies of Countries
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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