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Sunlight and Culture

Author

Listed:
  • Fredriksson, Per G.
  • Mohanty, Aatishya

Abstract

The effects of the individualism vs. collectivism cultural dichotomy on economic outcomes have been widely recognized in the literature. We propose and test the hypothesis that individuals and populations located in areas exposed long-term to more ultraviolet radiation (UV-R; sunlight) exhibit a greater degree of collectivism. We provide individual level evidence using data from the World Values Survey, evidence from pre-industrial societies using data from the Standard Cross-Cultural Sample, and cross-country findings.

Suggested Citation

  • Fredriksson, Per G. & Mohanty, Aatishya, 2021. "Sunlight and Culture," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 188(C), pages 757-782.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:188:y:2021:i:c:p:757-782
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2021.05.033
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Ultraviolet radiation; Individualism; Collectivism; Eye disease; Uncertainty avoidance; Pathogens;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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