Microfoundations of the Cultural Modernization Theory

2026.

Musaev A. U., Vorchik A.

This paper attempts to model the evolutionary theory of modernization and democratization. The model reflects the key provisions of R. Inglehart and C. Welzel's theory and provides a microfoundation for the adaptation of subjective values to the objective importances of the survival factors and the structure of the labour markets from the perspective of evolutionary theory and rational-emotional choice. We consider an optimization problem of a representative agent allocating their time between production of private goods (participation in the economy), distribution of public goods (participation in politics), and leisure. Thus, the long-term dynamics of the allocation of society's time resources can be explained by technological progress (reduction in the labour intensity of production), social progress (increasing effectiveness of political institutions), and structural changes in the labour markets (altering importances of work, politics, and leisure). In addition, the model developed in the paper reflects the phenomenon of hedonic adaptation and the resulting Easterlin paradox, explains the modern trend towards a higher share of the government in the economy, and illustrates the democratic congruence theory by C. Welzel. The key implications of the model are tested against data from the WVS/EVS and other sources.

Keywords: modernization, cultural evolution, material and post-material values, emotional tâtonnement, technological and social progress, labour market structure

Publication based on the results of: Comparative studies of culture and subjective well-being: differentiation and integration of societies in the context of global challenges (2025)