The traditions of modernity

Abstract

The objective of the first part of this study is to confirm Alexis de Tocqueville's assertion that “Even the most favorable geographic locations and the best laws cannot maintain a constitution in despite of mores.” A synthetic index of progressive social values taken from the World Values Survey turns out to be a robust predictor of GDP per capita levels and of governance performance, controlling for resource endowment and political institutions.

The second part of the study tests the 25-factor typology of progress-prone and progress-resistant cultures of the Cultural Change Institute, adapting the same two regression models. The findings reveal the high productivity of a population shift from a progress-resistant to a progress-prone value, belief, or attitude.

The concluding remarks recommend ways that these findings may be used as guidelines to promote economic and social development.