Toward a Unified Europe? Explaining Cultural Differences by Economic Development, Cultural Heritage and Historical Shocks

Abstract

Economic development is linked with systematic changes in basic values, but cultural change is path dependent.This is known as Inglehart's thesis.In this paper we build on his thesis and try to explain value differences across European regions.This is relevant as it fits in the ongoing discussion of a 'Europe of the regions'.We find confirmation of Inglehart's thesis.New however, is our finding that historical shocks like the collapse of the Soviet Union marking the 'end of history' can influence this path dependent process.Moreover, we illustrate that convergence of values into a 'single European value landscape' takes a very long period, if it would occur anyway.European integration;culture;development;history