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Moral Universalism: Global Evidence

Author

Listed:
  • Alexander W. Cappelen
  • Benjamin Enke
  • Bertil Tungodden

Abstract

This paper presents novel stylized facts about the global variation in universalism, leveraging nationally representative surveys across 60 countries (N=64,000). We find large variation in universalism within and across countries, which almost entirely reflects heterogeneity in people’s moral views regarding how to treat different types of relationships. Universalism is strongly predictive of political views, civic engagement, and the radius of trust, and varies with the economic, political and religious organization of societies. We provide tentative evidence that experience with democracy makes people more universalist. Overall, our results suggests that moral universalism shapes and is shaped by politico-economic outcomes across the globe.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexander W. Cappelen & Benjamin Enke & Bertil Tungodden, 2022. "Moral Universalism: Global Evidence," NBER Working Papers 30157, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:30157
    Note: DEV EFG LE PE POL
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    Cited by:

    1. Roberto Ezcurra, 2024. "Kin networks and quality of government: a regional analysis," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 73(4), pages 2117-2142, December.
    2. Apolte, Thomas, 2025. "Random walks into democracy and back: The case against causal explanations of democratization," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
    3. Kammas, Pantelis & Sarantides, Vassilis, 2024. "Historical pathogen prevalence and the radius of trust," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 162(C).
    4. Jetter, Michael, 2024. "On the Post-Enlightenment Evolution of Moral Universalism," IZA Discussion Papers 16947, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    5. Michel André Maréchal & Alain Cohn & Jeffrey Yusof & Raymond Fisman, 2025. "Whose Preferences Matter for Redistribution? Cross-Country Evidence," Journal of Political Economy Microeconomics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 3(1), pages 1-24.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles

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