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The myth of the “Culture code” in economic research

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  • Tambovtsev, Vitaly

Abstract

This paper is devoted to the critical analysis of today's mainstream approach to the inclusion of the factor of culture in economic research. National culture is treated in this framework as a reified entity measured by societal values and is persistently included as a “culture code” throughout different contexts. The paper presents evidence contradicting this treatment, and an alternative methodology for economic analysis of cultural phenomena is suggested, namely that each mass cultural practice should be analyzed on a “case-by-case” basis, comparing stakeholders’ costs and benefits.

Suggested Citation

  • Tambovtsev, Vitaly, 2015. "The myth of the “Culture code” in economic research," Russian Journal of Economics, Elsevier, vol. 1(3), pages 294-312.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rujoec:v:1:y:2015:i:3:p:294-312
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ruje.2015.12.006
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    Cited by:

    1. Judit Kapas, 2017. "How Cultural Values Affect Economic Growth: A Critical Assessment Of The Literature," Economic Thought and Practice, Department of Economics and Business, University of Dubrovnik, vol. 26(1), pages 265-285, june.
    2. Judit Kapás, 2019. "The interaction of individual values and sticky formal institutions in economic development," European Journal of Comparative Economics, Cattaneo University (LIUC), vol. 16(1), pages 41-67, June.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    culture; economic growth; culture code; reification; societal values; cultural practices;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E02 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General - - - Institutions and the Macroeconomy
    • O17 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Formal and Informal Sectors; Shadow Economy; Institutional Arrangements
    • O43 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Institutions and Growth
    • Z10 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - General

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