Are National Cultures Changing? Evidence from the World Values Survey

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyze from a quantitative standpoint the stability of the concept of ‘national culture’. In this respect, we analyzed whether significant changes in people's perception have occurred in the past 25 years in different national cultures. A longitudinal study based on data provided by World Values Survey and European Values Survey was conducted. 13 countries were selected. One of the main research findings is that some national cultures are more stable than others. The cultures that are subject to major changes, such as economic ones, change to a greater extent and faster, while others change more slowly. Results and limits of the research are discussed.