Globalization and the dynamics of cultural identity

Journal article: This paper presents a simple model where micro-founded dynamics of cultural identity are endogenous and interact with an international trade equilibrium. This process generates a strong home bias under autarky. We then show that goods market integration causes a phenomenon of cultural divergence, whereby the distributions of cultures become more dissimilar across countries and one of the cultures that existed under autarky ultimately disappears. By way of contrast, we show that social integration causes cultural convergence and can counterbalance the effects of goods market integration.

Author(s)

Jacques Olivier, Mathias Thoenig, Thierry Verdier

Journal
  • Journal of International Economics
Date of publication
  • 2008
Keywords JEL
F02 F10 Z10 Z13
Keywords
  • Cultural identity
  • Cultural transmission
  • International trade
Pages
  • 356-370
Version
  • 1
Volume
  • 76