Vliv kultury na ekonomický růst zemí

Abstract

The thesis focuses on the influence of cultural attitudes and values on economic growth. The aim is to determine whether cultural values and attitudes, which were identified in the past as factors with positive influence on economic growth, retains this effect in the present. Theoretical part contains the definition of economic growth and development and a summary of the main economic growth theories. It also includes research of empirical literature on the influence of culture on economic growth. In the practical part, a correlation analysis is performed with cultural aspects and economic indicators in 25 European countries. The results of the analysis demonstrate a persistent positive relationship with economic growth for the rate of generalized trust, tolerance and respect and egalitarian attitudes. They also indicate a positive relationship between the rate of thrift and hard work in less developed economies. In the analysis of the cultural aspects themselves, it was found that Nordic and Western European countries achieve constantly higher values and positive trend in the rate of generalized trust, tolerance and respect and a negative attitude to the statement “men should have more right to a job”. In the case of the rate of thrift, they achieved lower values with decreasing trend. Eastern and Southeastern European countries achieved the opposite values. Based on results of this work, culture should not be a neglected factor of economic growth.