Cultural Spheres – Creating a dyadic dataset of cultural proximity

Abstract

This technical paper gives an overview of our new data set on cultural spheres. With this data set, we introduce an innovative way of describing cultural configurations from a relational perspective. We apply valued two-mode social network analysis to define cultural similarities. The data set consists of variables of cultural characteristics like dominant religion(s), dominant language, colonial history, gender relations, civil freedom, etc. With this indicator, we create time-dependent networks of overlapping cultural spheres, from 1789 until 2010. This approach enables researchers to overcome the definition of distinct categories of culture and allows the inclusion of an overlapping, dynamic network, linking countries together based on similarities. Furthermore, it offers a tool that is adaptable to different research questions.