Exploring the Link Between Cultural Characteristics and Sustainable Development Success

Abstract

The primary objective of this paper is to explore the cultural dimensions of sustainable development by investigating the interdependence between selected cultural characteristics and the sustainable development goals index. The central hypothesis posited in this study is that sustainable development tends to achieve higher success rates in countries with specific cultural profiles, particularly those embodying the values commonly associated with Western civilization. To test this hypothesis, the study employed Pearson's correlation analysis to examine the relationship between cultural features and the sustainable development goals index. The cultural characteristics considered in the analysis include power distance, masculinity versus femininity, individualism versus collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation, indulgence, and the syndromes of materialism and postmaterialism. These cultural dimensions were analyzed in the context of their influence on the sustainable development goals index, which measures progress towards achieving sustainable development. The findings of the study reveal a positive correlation between cultural values characteristic of European or Western cultures and higher sustainable development goals index scores. This suggests that certain cultural profiles, particularly those that emphasize individualism, long-term orientation, and lower power distance, may be more conducive to advancing sustainable development objectives. The conclusions drawn from this research highlight the importance of cultural context in shaping the effectiveness of sustainable development strategies. The study provides valuable insights into how cultural values and practices can influence a country's ability to meet sustainable development goals, suggesting that cultural considerations should play a more prominent role in the formulation and implementation of sustainability policies. This paper underscores the interrelationship between culture and sustainable development, offering evidence that cultural profiles aligned with Western values are positively associated with higher levels of sustainable development as measured by the sustainable development goals index. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how cultural factors can impact the global pursuit of sustainability.