Africa, Daniel Etounga-Manguelle

This study, undertaken by Daniel Etounga-Manguelle and published in Culture Matters, argues that colonialism can no longer be regarded as the primary culprit in Africa’s underdevelopment. Rather, Etounga-Manguelle points to cultural factors including social hierarchy, lack of control over uncertainty, importance of community over the individual, lack of separation between religious and secular authority, and irrationality. To move forward, he suggests, Africa must undertake peaceful cultural revolutions in the areas of education, politics, economics, and social life.

Botswana, Stephen Lewis

Economist Stephen Lewis tackles the question of why Botswana has been so much more successful than most other African countries. The answer, he argues, lies in a combination of historical circumstances—enlightened leadership, natural resource endowment, and positive missionary influence—and cultural traits—including a tradition of consultation by leaders with the led, peaceful conflict resolution, respect for others, and honesty. This essay was published in "Developing Cultures: Case Studies."

Cameroon, Daniel Etounga-Manguelle

Daniel Etounga-Manguelle made some controversial generalizations about Africa in his Culture Matters chapter "Does Africa Need a Cultural Adjustment Program." The Cameroon case study has offered Etounga-Manguelle an opportunity to be very specific in applying his generalizations to the country he knows best. The case study also gave Etounga-Manguelle the opportunity to contrast Cameroon with Somaliland—a rare African success story—and will appear in the upcoming sequel book to "Developing Cultures: Case Studies."

Child Rearing in Africa, Thomas Weisner

This case, by Thomas Weisner, examined the transmission of culture through child-rearing practices in sub-Saharan Africa. Weisner concludes that there is fundamental in the child-rearing practices of Africa that would hinder economic development or political pluralism, provided that the appropriate institutions and policies were in place. This study was published in "Culture Matters."

Mauritius, Clare Sisisky

To understand why it, like Botswana, has done so much better than most African countries. Its history is similar to that of the nearby Seychelles, but while it is slightly less well off economically, it is more democratic and less corrupt. This study was done by Clare Sisisky, director of the Center for the Humanities, and will appear in the upcoming sequel book to "Developing Cultures: Case Studies."

Nigeria, Elisha Renne

Elishe Renne presents a portrait of a Yoruba town in Nigeria, in which modernization and traditionalism vie with one another in a prolonged, indecisive competition. In this case, the forces of modernization were assisted by education, infrastructure, and an enlightened leader. This essay was published in "Developing Cultures: Case Studies."

Nigeria, Minabere Ibelema

A subsequent study, undertaken by Minabere Ibelema of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, sought to demonstrate how Nigeria’s development has been held back by high levels of corruption. Now, Ibelema shows that the government has implemented an anti-corruption campaign, which has had some positive impacts. Should the campaign be successful, prospects for Nigeria look much brighter. This case will appear in the upcoming sequel book to "Developing Cultures: Case Studies."

South Africa, Ann Bernstein

Although South Africa has banished its apartheid past and embraced democracy, economic progress has been disappointing. Ann Bernstein explains that culture plays a major role in South Africa’s lagging economy. Although former president Thabo Mbeki embraced a framework for cultural change called “the African Renaissance,” it has had little impact on popular attitudes. This essay was published in "Developing Cultures: Case Studies."

Sudan, Andrew Natsios

To demonstrate how the clash of cultures between the North African Arab north and the Black African south have played a role in the tumultuous history of the Sudan. This study was undertaken by former USAID Administrator Andrew Natsios, now with Georgetown University, and will appear in the upcoming sequel book to "Developing Cultures: Case Studies."

Argentina, Mariano Grondona

Mariano Grondona, the principal architect of the high/low cultural capital typology, contributed a paper on his home country, Argentina. He discusses six political values related to democratic development: tolerance, republican spirit, law versus power, state versus government, cultural restriction, and vespertine versus matutinal cultures. This essay was published in "Developing Cultures: Case Studies."

Barbados, Anthony Maingot

To understand why it is the most successful Caribbean nation. Barbados is unique in its stable democracy, its high levels of economic and social development, and its low level of corruption. There are several other Caribbean island nations, also former British colonies, e.g., Jamaica, that have not come close to the levels of progress achieved by Barbados. What explains the uniqueness of Barbados, and, conversely, why haven't the other Caribbean nations achieved greater progress? The study was done by Prof. Anthony Maingot of Florida International University, an expert on the Caribbean, and will appear in the upcoming sequel book to Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Brazil, Maria Lucia Victor Barbosa

Brazilian sociologist Maria Lucia Victor Barbosa discusses the cultural factors that impede Brazil’s development, including extremely low levels of trust; inequitable income distribution; authoritarianism; belief that success requires luck/cunning rather than merit; underdeveloped sense of social responsibility; corruption; lack of respect for the law; propensity to violence; and a tendency to blame others for one’s misfortunes. Barbosa sees some hope in the increasing power of Evangelicalism, which nurtures trust, austerity, and material success. This essay was published in "Developing Cultures: Case Studies."

Chile, David Hojman

Chile has experienced relatively high economic growth and—aside from the years of the Pinochet dictatorship—democratic governance. Economist David Hojman notes several traits that differ from the Latin American mainstream: a tendency to compromise; high female literacy; a large Basque minority; substantial conversion to Protestantism; and a link between economic openness and progressive cultural change. This essay was published in "Developing Cultures: Case Studies."

Costa Rica, Consuelo Cruz

To understand why it is so much more democratic and stable than other Central American countries--indeed than most Latin American countries--a condition with roots going back to colonial times. The study was done by Prof. Consuelo Cruz of Tufts University, author of Political Culture and Institutional Development in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, and Prof. Mitchell Seligson of Vanderbilt University, who contributed a chapter on political development to Developing Cultures: Essays on Cultural Change and who has a long relationship with Costa Rica going back to his days as a Peace Corps volunteer. This case will appear in the upcoming sequel book to "Developing Cultures: Case Studies."

Cuba, Carlos Alberto Montaner

Carlos Alberto Montaner, one of the most widely-read columnists in the Spanish language, undertook this study to demonstrate the extent to which the progressive elements of Cuba’s culture have been undermined by the Castro regime. Montaner also looks forward to the post-Castro era, hypothesizing that it may take Cubans years to recover their previous levels of trust and societal cohesion. This case will appear in the upcoming sequel book to "Developing Cultures: Case Studies."

Ecuador, Osvaldo Hurtado

This case study examined the cultural factors that serve to hold back progress in Ecuador and in Latin America more generally. It was undertaken by Osvaldo Hurtado, the former president of Ecuador, and will appear in the upcoming sequel book to "Developing Cultures: Case Studies."

Gender Inequality in Latin America, Mala Htun

In this paper, Mala Htun argues that cultural influences cannot explain changes in gender relations across countries in recent years. However, the diverse ways in which societies conceive of achieving gender equality may be culturally based. Finally, the sustainability of gender equality may be impacted by cultural attributes related to the performance and efficiency of state institutions. This paper was published in "Culture Matters."

Latin American Elites, Carlos Alberto Montaner

In this paper, published in Culture Matters, columnist Carlos Alberto Montaner discussed the role of elites in Latin America’s economic, social, and political problems. Montaner asserts that politicians, the military, businessmen, clergy, intellectuals, and leftist groups continue to adhere to cultural values and practices that undermine development—including corruption, rent-seeking, and lack of respect for the rule of law.

Legal Reform in Latin America, Octavio Sanchez

To understand how the rigidity of the legal system in Latin America hampers development, and to make recommendations for change. This study was undertaken by Octavio Sanchez, a Honduran lawyer, and will appear in the upcoming sequel book to "Developing Cultures: Case Studies."

Mexico, Miguel Basáñez

Mexican political scientist and CCI Deputy Director Miguel Basáñez attributes the gap in progress between Mexico and its NAFTA partners, Canada and the US, as largely the result of the contrasting effects of Ibero-Catholic and Anglo-Protestant culture. However, Mexico today is experiencing long-term trends that are pushing its culture toward a more tolerant, global, market-oriented, democratic society. This essay was published in "Developing Cultures: Case Studies."

Parenting Practices in Latin America, Luis Diego Herrera

Costa Rican psychiatrist Luis Diego Herrera examines parenting practices in Costa Rica, in his view a surrogate for Latin America more generally, and links them to behavior patterns that impede progress for the society as a whole. He also makes suggestions for remedying the destructive aspects of child rearing in Latin America. This essay was published in "Developing Cultures: Essays on Cultural Change."

Quebec, Daniel Latouche

For much of its history, Quebec lagged behind the rest of Canada. Quebec’s Quiet Revolution of the 1960s was, according to political scientist Daniel Latouche, a classic example of how politics can change a culture and save it from itself. Some of the major aspects of this were: selective reinterpretation of traditional culture; inclusive nationalism; declericalization; promotion of gender equality; and massive resource allocation to education. This study was published in "Developing Cultures: Case Studies."

Uruguay, Mariano Grondona

Uruguay stands with Costa Rica and Chile with respect to its tradition of democratic process. Like Chile and Argentina, it experienced military dictatorship starting in the 1970s continuing into the 1980s. It returned to its democratic traditions in 1984, and democracy has prevailed since. The goal of this case study is similar to that of Costa Rica: to understand what in Uruguay's evolution contributed to its atypical tradition of democratic politics. Mariano Grondona, the Argentine writer, professor of government, and television talk show host, undertook this study. Grondona is among the world's foremost authorities on the cultural paradigm. He contributed essays on opinion media and Argentina to the CMRP. This case will appear in the upcoming sequel book to "Developing Cultures: Case Studies."

Venezuela, Luis Ugalde

Luis Ugalde, rector of the Catholic University of Caracas, examines the economic performance of Venezuela in this study. He notes the powerful tradition of government favors and corruption starting in the colonial period and continuing to the present, as well as a culture that discourages work and innovation. He concludes that progress depends on substantial reforms, including in education, the workplace, civil society, and the public sector. This essay was published in "Developing Cultures: Case Studies."

African Americans, Orlando Patterson

In this study, published in Culture Matters, Orlando Patterson stresses the link between culture and the problems of traditionally underachieving minorities. He analyzes the impact of slavery and Jim Crow on the institution of marriage and relates those experiences to the high incidence of single black mothers today.

African Americans, John McWhorter

In a subsequent study of African American culture, John McWhorter, now a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, argues that “since the 1960s, black America has been infected by a notion, sometimes explicit though usually tacit, that the core of black identity is rebellion and disaffection. This identity can lead to certain cultural traits that impede progress, including a “victim” self-image, racial separatism, and the view that education doesn’t matter. This study was published in Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Anglo-Protestant Culture in the U.S., Samuel Huntington

This study was undertaken by Samuel Huntington, co-editor of "Culture Matters." Huntington asserts that Anglo-Protestant tradition is the foundation of American culture, and discusses the ways that it has worked to promote development. This essay was published in "Developing Cultures: Essays on Cultural Change."

Native Americans, Stephen Cornell, Miriam Jorgensen, and Joseph Kalt

To understand the extremely varied rates of progress among Native American tribes, and to examine the extent to which greater self-determination and a return to positive traditional practices may promote progress. This study was undertaken by Stephen Cornell, Miriam Jorgensen, and Joseph Kalt, all of the Harvard Projecrt on American Indian Economic Development. It will appear in the upcoming sequel book to Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

U.S. Underachieving Minorities, Richard Lamm

This study was conducted by Richard Lamm, the former governor of Colorado. Lamm seeks to demonstrate that a culture that places inadequate value on education may be a factor in the lower levels of educational attainment among some minority groups in the U.S. This case will appear in the upcoming sequel book to Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Asian Values, Lucian Pye

Lucian W. Pye conducted this case, which was published in "Culture Matters." Pye confronts the boom-and-bust history of Asian economies in the second half of the 20th century, when Confucianism has been used to justify Asia’s economic performance regardless of whether it was rapid or lagging. He argues that the same values, operating in different circumstances, can and do produce quite different effects; and that cultures consist of clusters of values that can be combined in different ways at different times.

China, Tu Wei-Ming

This paper, by Harvard sinologist Tu Weiming, focuses on the influence of intellectuals in recent Chinese history. Tu describes the revival of the Confucian traditions—emphasis on education, achievement, and merit prominently among them—that Mao attempted, ultimately unsuccessfully, to repress. This essay was published in Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Tu Weiming subsequently produced a second study, devoted to understanding the complex interplay between culture and economy in the impressive development of China and other East Asian nations that share a Confucian heritage. This study will appear in the upcoming sequel book to Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

East Asian business practices, Dwight Perkins

This study, conducted by Dwight H. Perkins, examines the Asian financial crisis of the late 1990s through the lens of Asian culture and way of business. He argues that common explanation for the crisis—cronyism, or a close relationship between business and government—was merely one manifestatio of a broader phenomenon, the reliance on personal relationships to provide business transactions with the security that is an essential component of any successful commercial system. This study was published in "Culture Matters."

East Asian modernity, Tu Wei-Ming

This essay by Tu Wei-Ming contrasted the Western and Confucian approaches to development. In it, he outlines a coherent vision for governance and leadership in promoting East Asian modernity under the influence of Confucian traditions. Confucian modernity, Tu asserts, refutes the claim that modernization is westernization by another name. This essay was published in "Culture Matters."

Egypt, Bassam Tibi

Bassam Tibi takes on the case of Egypt, a “textbook case for the encounter of Islamic civilization with the West”, in this case study. Attempts at modernization have failed because European technological advances have been superimposed on a traditional Islamic culture that rejected the values that nurture progress. This is another example of the principle that progressive cultural change must come from within a society. This essay was published in Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

India, Gurcharan Das

According to author Gurcharan Das, the primary negative consequence of colonialism was a loss of Indian self-confidence. Confidence is returning, though, in the recent years of strong economic performance. He argues that it is possible to modernize without Westernizing, and that young Indians, especially, are confident that they can adopt the West’s material beliefs without losing their distinctive way of life. This essay was published in Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Indonesia, Robert Hefner

This study was undertaken by Robert Hefner, who reached guardedly optimistic conclusions about Indonesia’s future. Although Indonesia suffers from conflictive pluralism, with significant friction between its Chinese and Muslim communities, it also boasts a large and courageous moderate Muslim leadership and a skilled population. This essay was published in Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Japan, Yoshihara Kunio

Yoshihara Kunio, a Japanese economist, cites the role of culture in Japan’s development. The Japanese emphasis on materialistic pursuits, hard work, saving, education, and community values were all important reasons for Japan’s progress. This essay was published in Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Kerala, Katherine Taylor

To understand the cultural factors that led to Kerala’s impressive levels of human development, with a particular emphasis on its history of matriliny. This study was undertaken by CCI program officer Kate Taylor, and will appear in the upcoming sequel book to Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Malaysia, Khoo Boo Teik

To examine the role of Chinese and Indian minorities in its development. Indonesia has been labeled a "mini-dragon" because of its impressive economic performance: 3.9 percent per capita GDP growth during the period 1975-2003. But it has large Chinese and Indian minorities, and the Malay majority has been the beneficiary of affirmative action programs that have only partially achieved their goals. This makes for an interesting cultural analysis laboratory. Khoo Boo Teik conducted this study, which will appear in the upcoming sequel book to Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Pakistan and Bangladesh, F.S. Aijazuddin

F.S. Aijazuddin examines the case of Pakistan and Bangladesh, which were carved out of India at the time of independence and remained a unified country until 1971. Although they have followed similar development trajectories since then, Bangladesh today boasts significantly greater political freedoms, as well as a higher status for women. This essay was published in Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Singapore, Chua Beng-Huat

Sociologist Chua Beng-Huat explains Singapore’s success as the result of three major factors: its success in attracting foreign investment, the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew, and its Confucian value structure. Singapore also illustrates the importance of progress-promoting policies, such as merit-based selection and competitive salaries for the civil service; home ownership promotion; and English-language instruction. This essay was published in Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Taiwan, Robert Weller

Anthropologist Robert Weller examines the case of Taiwan, which has experienced both transformative economic growth and a transition to democracy. Some of the important cultural factors enabling these changes were individualism, a work ethic, a high valuation of education, civility, and trust with its associated social capital. This essay was published in Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Vietnam, William Ratliff

Vietnam experienced 5 percent annual growth in per capita GDP between 1975 and 2003, a quadrupling. Such rapid growth rates are common in East Asian countries influenced by Confucianism of which Vietnam is one. The goal of the study was an understanding of the factors driving the Vietnamese miracle, including the extent to which cultural factors are in play in its rapid economic growth coupled with authoritarian politics. It was undertaken by William Ratliff of the Hoover Institution at Stanford, and will appear in the upcoming sequel book to Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Belgium, Charles Cogan

To understand the ways in which the coexistence of two separate ethnic groups—Flemings and Walloons—in Belgium have played a role in its development, and to look ahead to future scenarios for the country. This study was undertaken by Charles Cogan, formerly with the Central Intelligence Agency and currently an associate at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at the Kennedy School, and will appear in the upcoming sequel book to Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Eastern Europe, Janos Matyas Kovacs

Eastern European expert Janos Matyas Kovacs discusses the Soviet impact on the economic culture of Eastern Europe. While modifying the culture away from entrepreneurship and pride in worksmanship, it also unwittingly inculcated some traits that could assist in modernization, such as calculative behavior, risk taking and competitive attitudes. This study was published in Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Georgia, Irakli Chkonia

Irakli Chkonia produced this paper, which examines why and how the Georgians resisted the ideological/cultural impositions of the Soviets. Chkonia believes that societies with a strong cultural identity can resist even the most intensive and skillful assimilation attempts, and that cultural change is possible only when it is legitimized by the authentic cultural system of the society. This paper was published in Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Ireland, Dick Spring

Former Irish Deputy Prime Minister Dick Spring explains the Irish economic miracle as a consequence of liberalization of economic policy; enhanced attractiveness to foreign investors; membership in the European Economic Community; English-speaking labor pool; budgetary discipline; and high priority for education. This study was published in Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Italy, Matteo Marini

Matteo Marini, an Italian economist, focuses on three aspects of Italian culture: conformity, rebellion, and opportunism. He argues that Italy’s long-term well-being depends on cultural change that will promote greater individual autonomy, social responsibility, and trust. This study was published in Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Novgorod, Nicolai Petro

This case, undertaken by Nicolai Petro, underscores the importance of rooting cultural change in the existing virtues of a given society. Elites in the atypically successful Russian region of Novgorod re-defined reform as a return to the values of a more prosperous Russian past, rather than as something imposed from outside, thus undercutting objections and resistance to the desired changes. This study was published in Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Russia, Archie Brown

Oxford University expert on Russia Archie Brown emphasizes the dual cause-and-effect relationship between culture and institutions in his study of Russia. He argues that culture limits the extent to which institutional change can be effective, though institutional change can also modify culture. This study was published in Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Spain, Carlos Alberto Montaner

Columnist Carlos Alberto Montaner explains the transformation of Spain as chiefly the consequence of a fundamental change in the thinking of Spanish elites. In essence, they began to look toward Europe and copy its model for managing the economy and, later, democratic governance. This study was published in Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Sweden, Dag Blanck

Today, Sweden is among the champions of progress, yet in the mid-nineteenth century it was one of the poorest countries in Europe. Historian Dag Blanck and political scientist Thorleif Pettersson trace Sweden’s success to its deep-rooted sense of social responsibility, which over the centuries has led to a strong state and a strong, independent civil service. This study wa published in Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Turkey, Yilmaz Esmer

Turkey is a uniquely properous and democratic Muslim country, but Yilmaz Esmer argues that its success is probably not replicable in the rest of the Muslim world, due to the uniqueness of its circumstances: the influence of Ataturk, its uncompromising attitudes toward secularism and gender equality (which do not enjoy such support elsewhere in the Islamic world), and the pivotal role of the Turkish army as a guarantor of secularism. This essay was published in Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Turkey’s Islamic Calvinists, Matan Chorev

This study seeks to understand the relative success of Turkey in promoting economic growth and democratization by examining its experience of political Islam. The study was undertaken by Matan Chorev, a researcher at the Kennedy School at Harvard, and will appear in the upcoming sequel book to Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Buddhism, Christal Whelan

Christal Whelan stresses the extreme diversity of Buddhism, since predominantly Buddhist countries have experienced varied development trajectories in economics, democracy, and gender equality. Whelan concludes that the data do not suggest that the tradition is a strong force for progress. This essay will appear in "Developing Cultures: Essays on Cultural Change."

Catholicism, Michael Novak

This essay, by Michael Novak, notes that the Catholic Church’s changed stance on authoritarian governance played an important role in the wave of democratization in the last half of the 20th century. However, he argues that the church must reconsider its ambivalence toward capitalism if it wishes to become a force for economic progress. This essay was published in "Developing Cultures: Essays on Cultural Change."

Confucianism, Robert P. Weller

Robert P. Weller takes on the Confucian tradition, with an emphasis on China, arguing that the tradition encompasses diverse strands that could lead to a variety of outcomes. However, some cultural features stand out as conducive to development, including individualism, a strong work ethic, highly valued education, civility, and trust. This essay was published in "Developing Cultures: Essays on Cultural Change."

Evangelical and Pentecostal Protestantism in the Third World, David Martin

David Martin describes the growing influence of Evangelical and Pentecostal Protestantism in Africa and Latin America. Part of the reason for the upswing is that the poor see these religions as avenues to family stability and upward mobility. Martin suggests that the demonstration effect will sustain the momentum of conversion for some time to come. This paper was published in "Developing Cultures: Essays on Cultural Change."

Hinduism, Pratap Bhanu Mehta

Pratap Bhanu Mehta argues that Hinduism is effectively neutral with regard to progress. While it is too flexible in doctrine and diffuse in structure to actively facilitate reform, if the state is disposed to reform, there are few religious sources of resistance to it. This essay was published in "Developing Cultures: Essays on Cultural Change."

Islam, Bassam Tibi

Bassam Tibi, a Syrian Arab teaching in Germany, confronts the steady decline in Islam as a force for progress. The primary reasons, he argues, are unwillingness to learn from others, rejection of innovation, and the fundamentalist rejection of any values perceived as “Western.” He calls for sweeping reform along the lines of the UNDP Arab Human Development Reports 2002 and 2003. This essay was published in "Developing Cultures: Essays on Cultural Change."

Islam and Progress, Robert Hefner

Robert Hefner describes the internal pluralism within Islam, with fundamentalism competing with moderate, democratic streams. Hefner believes that social change in modern times has given disproportionate influence to a small number of fundamentalists committed to an ideologized and totalizing interpretation of the faith. Progress will be dependent on whether moderate, pluralist Muslims are able to assert themselves and retake the reins of society. This essay was published in "Developing Cultures: Essays on Cultural Change."

Islam and Science, Pervez Hoodbhoy

To understand why the Muslim world has lost its former place at the forefront of science, and to make recommendations for bringing science back to Islam. This study was undertaken by Pakistani physicist Pervez Hoodbhoy, and will appear in the upcoming sequel book to Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Judaism, Jim Lederman

Throughout recorded history, Jews have been high achievers in academics, the professions, politics, and business. Canadian journalist Jim Lederman discusses the aspects of Jewish culture that have led to these accomplishments, including ethical behavior, a belief in merit and education, and social entrepreneurship. This essay was published in "Developing Cultures: Essays on Cultural Change."

Orthodox Christianity, Nikolas Gvosdev

Eastern European expert Nikolas Gvosdev argues that Orthodoxy today is supportive of neither democratic institutions nor market economics. The possibility of change rests on the questions of whether the clergy are prepared to reimagine Orthodox tradition, and whether the population would accept such changes as legitimate. This paper was published in "Developing Cultures: Essays on Cultural Change."

Corruption, Seymour Martin Lipset and Gabriel Salman Lenz

Seymour Martin Lipset and Gabriel Salman Lenz contributed a study, published in Culture Matters, that seeks to integrate theoretical and empirical analyses of corruption. The authors suggest that high levels of corruption result from a disconnect between achievement motivation (high) and access to appropriate means (low), and also from strong extended family ties, which can result in nepotism.

Cultural Relativism, Richard Shweder

Anthropologist Richard Shweder defends cultural relativism in this paper, published in "Culture Matters." He argues that people in disparate societies do not value the same things equally and may not regard the “good life” in the same way. Therefore, the promotion of progress must necessarily be a cultural imposition, reflecting a definition of progress that may not reflect the worldview of the society in question.

Cultural Typology of Economic Development, Mariano Grondona

This paper, written by Argentine sociologist and political scientist Mariano Grondona, sets forth the cultural attributes that can either help or hinder development. These include, among others, attitudes toward religion, trust, morality, wealth, competition, justice, work, education, rationality, and authority. The paper was published in Culture Matters and became the basis for the 25-factor typology of progress-prone and progress-resistant cultures published in The Central Liberal Truth.

Cultural Zones and Democracy, Ron Inglehart

This study, conducted by Ronald Inglehart, uses data from the World Values Survey to demonstrate that societies that demonstrate self-expression values (such as interpersonal trust, tolerance, and participation in decisionmaking) are correlated with democratic governance as compared to societies that exhibit survival values. This case was published in "Culture Matters."

Culture and Development, David Landes

This study, conducted by David Landes and published in Culture Matters, took a broad view of world history—with a particular focus on Argentina and Japan—to argue that culture is the most important factor in determining a society’s level of development.

Culture and Mental Models, Stace Lindsay

This essay, by Stace Lindsay, confronted the dilemma of whether it is possible to inculcate progressive cultural change while also preserving cultural heritage. Bringing about progress, he argues, may require changing mental models—the underlying beliefs that influence the way people behave. This can be done at an individual level, and does not necessarily force the homogenization of global culture. This essay was published in "Culture Matters."

Disaggregating Culture, Nathan Glazer

This study, written by Nathan Glazer and published in Culture Matters, points out that one of the reasons for the aversion to confronting culture is that it touches the highly sensitive nerves of national, ethnic, and personal self-esteem by communicating the idea that some cultures are better than others, at least in the sense that they do more to promote human well-being. Glazer implies that the risks of pursuing cultural explanations, at least in the United States, may be greater than the gains, particularly since the melting pot tends to attenuate the initial differences.

Gender and Human Rights, Barbara Crossette

Barbara Crossette tackles the question of human rights and gender in this essay, published in "Culture Matters." In many societies, she argues, women suffer disproportionately from cultural dictates on their movements, their dress, and their activities—most often imposed by men. Crossette argues for the universalism of the UN Declaration of Human Rights, as well as for a foreign policy informed by the values of truth and honesty.

Preparing for Cultural Change, Michael Fairbanks

This essay, by Michael Fairbanks, laid out the elements necessary to begin the process of progressive cultural change. These include, for example, creation and communication of a sense of urgency and a compelling vision, building new relationships, communicating short-term wins, and institutionalizing the changes. This essay was published in "Culture Matters."

Promoting Progressive Cultural Change, Lawrence Harrison

This essay, by CCI Director Lawrence Harrison, laid out ten characteristic differences between progressive and static cultures, including time orientation, ethical code, importance of education and merit, and radius of indentification and trust. Harrison goes on to review attempts by Latin Americans to promote progressive cultural change in their native societies, which are a promising development for the future. This essay was published in "Culture Matters."

Prosperity and Economic Culture, Michael Porter

This study, conducted by Michael Porter and published in Culture Matters, promoted the productivity paradigm as the basis for economic prosperity, and outlined the values, beliefs, and attitudes that are most important in producing an economic culture conducive to productivity in the modern global economy.

Social Capital, Francis Fukuyama

Written by Francis Fukuyama, this study points to the importance of social capital and trust in promoting progress. Development and progress are significantly easier when the radius of trust extends beyond the family to embrace the wider society. This study was published in "Culture Matters."

Sociology of Economic Development, Jeffrey Sachs

Columbia University professor Jeffrey Sachs produced this study, which was published in "Culture Matters." In it, Sachs argues against the Culture Matters thesis, asserting that culture’s role in development and progress is minor compared with the role of geography, social systems, and a positive feedback loop.

Traditional Beliefs and Practices, Robert Edgerton

This case, undertaken by Robert Edgerton and published in Culture Matters, questions the common anthropological assumption that all long-established traditional cultural practices serve a useful purpose for the society in question. Denying the principle of cultural relativism, Edgerton asserts that some traditional beliefs and practices may be inefficient, harmful, or even deadly.

Child Rearing, Jerome Kagan

Harvard University developmental psychologist Jerome Kagan tackled the issue of cultural transmission through child rearing practices in an essay published in "Developing Cultures: Essays on Cultural Change." Kagan argues that children can be conditioned to prize democracy, social justice, and entrepreneurship by certain behaviors on the part of parents and families.

Child Rearing in Africa, Thomas Weisner

This case, by Thomas Weisner, examined the transmission of culture through child-rearing practices in sub-Saharan Africa. Weisner concludes that there is nothing fundamental in the child-rearing practices of Africa that would hinder economic development or political pluralism, provided that the appropriate institutions and policies were in place. This study was published in "Culture Matters."

Parenting Education, Sharon Lynn Kagan and Amy Lowenstein

Sharon Lynn Kagan and Amy Lowenstein examine the opportunity provided by formal parenting education in inculcating progressive values. Although parenting education classes have become widespread, they have generally ignored the topic of values, presuming that these are the exclusive domain of the parents. The authors suggest steps to incorporate values into parenting education. This paper was published in "Developing Cultures: Essays on Cultural Change."

Parenting Practices in Latin America, Luis Diego Herrera

Costa Rican psychiatrist Luis Diego Herrera examines parenting practices in Costa Rica, in his view a surrogate for Latin America more generally, and links them to behavior patterns that impede progress for the society as a whole. He also makes suggestions for remedying the destructive aspects of child rearing in Latin America. This essay was published in "Developing Cultures: Essays on Cultural Change."

Character Education, Thomas Lickona

Character education, argues Thomas Lickona, is receiving increased attention in the U.S. and elsewhere. Although each society must decide for itself the virtues that should be nurtured by character education, some universally valued suggestions may include wisdom, justice, fortitude, self-mastery, love, positive attitude, hard work, integrity, gratitude, and humility. This essay was published in "Developing Cultures: Essays on Cultural Change."

Civic Education, Richard Niemi and Steven Finkel

Written collaboratively by Richard Niemi and Steven Finkel, this paper examines the increased interest in civil education in the light of widespread disinterest, disengagement, and distrust, especially among the young. Formal, appropriate, civic education is a major force in combating these trends. This paper was published in "Developing Cultures: Essays on Cultural Change."

Educational Reform, Fernando Reimers and Eleonora Villegas-Reimers

Fernando Reimers and Eleonora Villegas-Reimers outline the major shortcomings of education in Latin America, and envision the reforms necessary for success—“a curriculum that emphasizes the development of democratic knowledge, skills, values and dispositions; designed, taught and implemented by teachers whoa re professionals of the highest quality; who work in an educational system where participation and accountability is encouraged and expected; and where access is open to all.” This essay was published in "Developing Cultures: Essays on Cultural Change."

Parenting Education, Sharon Lynn Kagan and Amy Lowenstein

Sharon Lynn Kagan and Amy Lowenstein examine the opportunity provided by formal parenting education in inculcating progressive values. Although parenting education classes have become widespread, they have generally ignored the topic of values, presuming that these are the exclusive domain of the parents. The authors suggest steps to incorporate values into parenting education. This paper was published in "Developing Cultures: Essays on Cultural Change."

Legal Reform in Latin America, Octavio Sanchez

To understand how the rigidity of the legal system in Latin America hampers development, and to make recommendations for change. This study was undertaken by Octavio Sanchez, a Honduran lawyer, and will appear in the upcoming sequel book to Developing Cultures: Case Studies.

Leadership, Richard Lamm

In this essay, Richard Lamm, a former governor of Colorado, argues that visionary leaders can most easily catalyze cultural change in the face of adversity. Cultural change in the absence of chaos and trauma is much more difficult, but may be possible, as shown by leaders such as Muñoz Marín of Puerto Rico, Ataturk of Turkey, and Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore. This essay was published in "Developing Cultures: Essays on Cultural Change."

Entertainment Media, Reese Schonfeld

In this essay, CNN founder Reese Schonfeld asserts that entertainment media can be a profound force for cultural change—for instance, by displaying the way people living in other countries, through reality shows in which the audience is given a vote, and with socially-oriented programs intended specifically to promote positive values. This is especially the case with public television, which is better suited to promote positive cultural values. This essay was published in "Developing Cultures: Essays on Cultural Change."

News and Opinion Media, Mariano Grondona and Carlos Alberto Montaner

Mariano Grondona and Carlos Alberto Montaner, both popular newpaper columnists, argue that public-affairs television shows can have a significant impact on public opinion, and that the leftward tilt of Latin American news media is helping to drive the public away from capitalism and market economics. This essay was published in "Developing Cultures: Essays on Cultural Change."