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Agricultural legacy and individualistic culture

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  • James B. Ang

    (Nanyang Technological University)

Abstract

This paper presents evidence on the relationship between traditional farming practices and the emergence of individualistic culture. It hypothesizes that agricultural legacies have a persistent effect on the prevalence of modern-day individualistic traits. Individualism emerged in societies engaged in the farming of less labor-intensive crops, whereas interdependence emerged in societies engaged in the farming of more labor-intensive crops. The empirical analyses establish that agricultural legacies have shaped the formation of individualist traits among individuals, pre-industrial ethnic groups, and countries.

Suggested Citation

  • James B. Ang, 2019. "Agricultural legacy and individualistic culture," Journal of Economic Growth, Springer, vol. 24(4), pages 397-425, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jecgro:v:24:y:2019:i:4:d:10.1007_s10887-019-09171-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10887-019-09171-5
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Agriculture; Culture; Individualism; Labor intensity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General
    • Z1 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics

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