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Roots of Cultural Diversity

Author

Listed:
  • Galor, Oded

    (Brown University)

  • Klemp, Marc

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Wainstock, Daniel Crisóstomo

    (Brown University)

Abstract

This study reveals the pivotal impact of the prehistoric out-of-Africa migration on global variation in the degree of cultural diversity within ethnic and national populations. Drawing on novel diversity measures—encompassing folkloric and musical traditions among indigenous ethnic groups, as well as norms, values, and attitudes in modern societies—an intriguing pattern emerges: societies whose ancestors migrated farther from humanity's cradle in Africa exhibit lower cultural diversity. These striking findings underscore: (i) the profound role of cultural dynamics in shaping the enduring effects of the out-of-Africa migration on social cohesion, innovativeness, and living standards; (ii) the origins of persistent global variations in cultural expressions within an increasingly interconnected world; and (iii) the roots of variations in societal adaptability to evolving economic and technological landscapes.

Suggested Citation

  • Galor, Oded & Klemp, Marc & Wainstock, Daniel Crisóstomo, 2024. "Roots of Cultural Diversity," IZA Discussion Papers 17481, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17481
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    diversity; culture; out-of-africa; folkloric diversity; musical diversity; social norms;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General
    • Z10 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - General

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