Overview:
A fascinating deep dive into the dynamic interplay between culture, economics, institutions, and human prosperity.
In Pathway to Change, Naci Mocan investigates the economic origins of current cultural beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, highlighting the lasting impact of historical agricultural practices and ecological conditions. He shows that cultural traits evolve in response to external shocks—such as exposure to violence, changes in institutional quality, and the laws and law enforcement—and argues that culture and institutions influence each other: culture shapes the functioning of institutions, while institutions also mold cultural norms. As a result, the success of institutional reforms depends heavily on the cultural context in which they are implemented.