Sticky Traditions: Origin, Persistence, and Evolution of Cultural Norms

This National Bureau of Economic Research working paper by Paola Giuliano reviews literature on the formation, persistence, and evolution of cultural norms. The analysis highlights deep historical forces, including geography, pre-industrial societal traits, political institutions, and historical shocks, as key drivers of norm formation. It examines transmission mechanisms such as vertical, horizontal, and oblique channels that sustain these norms over time. The study finds that while cultural norms are generally persistent, their rate of change varies; values rooted in deep history resist change, whereas attitudes toward pro-sociality and redistribution adapt more quickly. The paper emphasizes the complex interaction between culture and institutions, noting that policies ignoring local cultural contexts risk failure or unintended consequences. Conversely, well-designed interventions can effectively shift norms. Additionally, it discusses cultural mismatches, where historically adaptive norms become maladaptive in modern contexts. This research provides critical insights for policymakers and outlines future directions for studying the economic implications of cultural identity and institutional interplay.