Conclusions

Abstract

The title of one of the most distinguished development journals is Economic Development and Cultural Change. The implication, intended or not, is that economic development entails cultural change—that there is a tension or tradeoff between development and cultural persistence. In this concluding chapter we draw lessons from the volumes’ contributions to explore how economic development and cultural persistence can be mutually reinforcing. We find that in many cases persistence through adaptation is the key. This adaptation can enhance human dignity by preserving and prioritizing broadly cherished cultural practices and beliefs, promoting both cultural aspects conducive to economic growth, and encouraging applications of wealth to underwrite these cherished practices.