The Innovation and Diffusion Podcast S3 E2: Culture and Economic Growth with Alberto Bisin from NYU
Dec 19, 2025
Alberto Bisin, a Professor of Economics at NYU and a fellow at the Econometric Society, explores the intricate relationship between culture and economic growth. He emphasizes the role of cultural transmission mechanisms and how institutions interact with cultural norms to shape economic outcomes. Alberto delves into historical dynamics, discussing the divergence in growth between Western Europe and the Middle East. With a nod to challenges in academia, he shares insights on his journey and the importance of linking models to historical data for a richer understanding of prosperity.
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Define Culture By How It Moves
- Define culture by its transmission mechanisms rather than fixed content.
- Modeling intergenerational and peer transmission clarifies persistence and change of cultural traits.
Culture And Institutions Are Complementary
- Culture and institutions interact and can complement or block each other.
- Growth depends on their dynamic interaction, not on treating one as always primary.
Elites Shape Long-Run Growth
- Elites and civil society relationships shape long-run economic trajectories.
- Understanding elite power and cultural dynamics is central to historical growth divergences.