Does culture evolve?

Abstract

This review concerns the book of Ronald F. Inglehart “Cultural Evolution”. The famous scholar presents his “Evolutionary Modernization Theory” about the recent cultural changes after the severe socio-economic crisis that occurred in 2007-08. Whereas a high level of individual security produced a more tolerant and open outlook society, recent structural changes have led to a cultural reaction invoking strong leaders, in-group closure, conformist attitudes and rejection of outsiders. The book is very rich, there are many themes and many data analysis. It is not simple to summarize his many merits, instead, it is simpler to consider some possible weaknesses. In particular, I have two main criticisms: a lack of attention to the problem of ecological fallacy and the absence of a systematic approach to socio-cultural evolutionism.