What Makes Us Different and Similar. A New Interpretation of the World Values Survey and Other Cross-Cultural Data

This book introduces three cultural dimensions. They are derived from World Values Survey data and compared with the dimensions of G. Hofstede, S. Schwartz, F. Trompenaars and C. Hampden-Turner. R. Inglehart, and Project GLOBE. Comparisons are also made with various statistics by TIMSS, Transparency International, the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the World Bank, and various national governments. The three dimensions in this book explain crucial societal phenomena in an unprecedented way. Among other things, they predict and elucidate cross-cultural differences in: absolutist/holistic thinking obesity rates adherence to agreements patriotism ascription orientation perceptions of health birth rates perceptions of life control communication patterns pride and humility competition orientation product quality corruption punctuality delay of gratification racism economic development religiousness extroversion/extraversion road death tolls gender egalitarianism rule orientation foreign aid safety measures happiness school performance illegal substance abuse sexual permissiveness income inequality suicide rates IQ measurements thrift and savings rates leisure orientation treatment of out-groups nepotism violent crime rates This book is indispensable to any student of cross-cultural differences and anyone who wishes to understand the nature, logic, and origins of the pervasive and persistent cultural diversity of the modern world.