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on Cultural Economics |
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Issue of 2026–10–12
four papers chosen by Roberto Zanola, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale |
| By: | Oded Galor; Marc Klemp; Daniel C. Wainstock |
| Abstract: | What gave rise to the mosaic of cultural expressions across the globe? Why are some societies more culturally diverse than others? This study develops a unified theory of cultural evolution, characterizing the forces that have governed this process over the course of human existence. The research advances the hypothesis that population movements and socioeconomic transformations generated a mismatch between inherited cultural traits and prevailing ecological and societal conditions, setting in motion an evolutionary process governed by adaptation-based vertical transmission, horizontal diffusion, and fitness-based evolutionary selection. The theory generates novel testable predictions concerning the origins of the global cultural mosaic and the cross-societal variation in cultural diversity. First, greater ecological distance between ancestral environments generated greater cultural distance across societies. Second, prehistoric differences in ancestral diversity contributed to divergent adaptive capacity and greater cultural distance. Third, societies descended from more diverse prehistoric populations exhibit greater cultural diversity despite convergence induced by adaptation to a common environment and societal norms. Drawing on measures of cultural distance and diversity derived from folkloric and musical traditions among ethnic groups, visual representations of common concepts, and the dispersion of norms, values, and attitudes, the empirical analysis lends credence to the predictions of the theory. |
| Keywords: | Cultural Diversity, Adaptation, Fitness, Cultural Evolution, Vertical Transmission, Social Norms |
| JEL: | O10 Z10 |
| Date: | 2026–09 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:crm:wpaper:26249 |
| By: | Yuki Takara (Bunkyo University) |
| Abstract: | Cultural participation is one of the most important research topics in cultural economics. This study investigates the effects of socioeconomic determinants on an individual’s cultural participation, using a Zero-Inflated Ordered Probit model. We used data collected from the 2023 Public Opinions Survey on Culture in Japan, conducted by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. We distinguished between direct and indirect modes of cultural activities and compared the effects of socioeconomic determinants on them. The estimation results revealed that most socioeconomic determinants significantly influenced participation probability but not participation frequency. Moreover, the results indicated that some socioeconomic factors play important roles in both direct and indirect modes of cultural activities. |
| Keywords: | Cultural Participation, Socioeconomic Determinants, Zero Inflated Ordered Probit, Public Opinion Survey on Culture |
| JEL: | D12 Z10 |
| Date: | 2026–10 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cue:wpaper:awp-07-2026 |
| By: | Díaz-Noci, Javier; Odriozola-Chéné, Javier; Arozamena, Rosa Pérez; Meso-Ayerdi, Koldobika; Peña-Fernández, Simón (University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)) |
| Abstract: | Introduction. Generative AI has intensified tensions between news organisations and technology platforms over intellectual property, audience traffic and journalism’s economic sustainability. The report examines how leading Spanish digital media have framed AI since ChatGPT’s emergence, while considering the subsequent disruption caused by Google AI Overviews and AI Mode. Methods. The study combines quantitative content analysis with legal and industry analysis. It examines 242 AI-related articles published between January 2022 and December 2024 by leading Spanish digital-native and legacy outlets, selected according to GfK DAM audience data. Frequency distributions and contingency tables assess thematic frames and editorial positions. Results. Intellectual property emerges as the central underlying conflict. Coverage concentrates on authorship (68%), ethics and legal liability (45%), business models and licensing (32%), and employment (21%). Legacy media generally frame AI as a threat to journalistic assets, whereas digital-native outlets emphasise efficiency and commercial opportunities. Civil society and journalists themselves remain marginal in the debate. Google’s AI-generated summaries further intensify concerns by retaining users within the platform and reducing referral traffic. Discussion. Intellectual property is becoming both a defensive right and a bargaining asset. The sector is consequently shifting from litigation towards licensing, collective negotiation and technological adaptation, although confidential agreements may strengthen major publishers while marginalising smaller outlets. |
| Date: | 2026–10–02 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:4vrdn_v1 |
| By: | Juan-Jose Ganuza (Comision Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC), Spain); Ivan Rendo (Toulouse School of Economics, Toulouse, France) |
| Abstract: | Piracy is central to digital markets, where identical content can be accessed legally or through unauthorized channels. While easier piracy seems likely to intensify competition and lower prices, it also reduces profitability and discourages entry. We develop a circular-city model with free entry in which consumers jointly choose content and access mode. Stronger enforcement raises prices for a fixed number of firms but also attracts competitors. Prices rise with enforcement in less competitive markets but can follow an inverted U in more competitive markets, where entry eventually pushes prices down. Extensions show that piracy can also weaken competition and raise prices by attracting consumers most willing to switch between legal providers. |
| Keywords: | competition; piracy; entry; digital markets |
| JEL: | L13 L82 K42 D43 |
| Date: | 2026–09 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:net:wpaper:2602 |