Genetic Diversity and the Origins of Cultural Fragmentation

Quamrul Ashraf and Oded Galor

No 18738, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: Despite the importance attributed to the effects of diversity on the stability and prosperity of nations, the origins of the uneven distribution of ethnic and cultural fragmentation across countries have been underexplored. Building on the role of deeply-rooted biogeographical forces in comparative development, this research empirically demonstrates that genetic diversity, predominantly determined during the prehistoric "out of Africa" migration of humans, is an underlying cause of various existing manifestations of ethnolinguistic heterogeneity. Further exploration of this uncharted territory may revolutionize the understanding of the effects of deeply-rooted factors on economic development and the composition of human capital across the globe.

JEL-codes: N30 O10 O50 Z10 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013-01
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-afr and nep-geo
Note: DEV EFG POL
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (102)

Published as Quamrul Ashraf & Oded Galor, 2013. "Genetic Diversity and the Origins of Cultural Fragmentation," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 103(3), pages 528-33, May.

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Related works:
Journal Article: Genetic Diversity and the Origins of Cultural Fragmentation (2013)
Working Paper: Genetic Diversity and the Origins of Cultural Fragmentation (2013)
Working Paper: Genetic Diversity and the Origins of Cultural Fragmentation (2013)
Working Paper: Genetic Diversity and the Origins of Cultural Fragmentation (2013)
Working Paper: Genetic Diversity and the Origins of Cultural Fragmentation (2013)
Working Paper: Genetic Diversity and the Origins of Cultural Fragmentation (2013)
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