Socio-cultural economics and Q- methodology: A new challenging interplay between values, preferences, and behaviors

This study highlights the transformative potential of Q methodology in socio-cultural economics, bridging subjective experiences and mathematical analysis. By integrating values, preferences, and behaviors, Q methodology offers a different approach to understanding cultural dynamics, revealing hidden dimensions of choice, motivation, and value systems. Through Q’s structured sorting and person-centered factor analysis, it captures diverse perspectives and the intensity of preferences, enabling deeper insights into cultural and economic behaviors. While its generalizability may be limited, Q’s ability to amplify marginalized voices and uncover implicit narratives makes it a valuable complement to traditional methods. Applications in preference elicitation, local economic assessments, and behavior modeling demonstrate its relevance and position Q methodology as a powerful tool for reshaping how we analyze and understand the socio-cultural dimensions of the economy.