2008-11-19
The Economics of Culture & Cultural Statistics in South Africa
The realisation that culture plays a vital role in areas as divers as understanding economic performance and development and individual behaviour patterns has led to social scientists searching for appropriate indicators of culture in an economy. This paper tries to define culture and then explore the arguments about why culture is important.
Different cultural characteristics that either positively or negatively affects economic growth are then briefly touched on. Unfortunately data is scarce and fragmented in South Africa, so we take a look at the quality of existing cultural statistics in South Africa as well as the potential indicators of cultures contribution to an economy. Hoping to learn from others who have faced these same problems before, international experience is examined and conclusions and recommendations are finally drawn.
Globally, culture has received more recognition and attention in recent years. Many countries for example Canada, Australia, UK, Philippines, Italy, France, have realised the importance and value of the contribution of the culture and its industries.
Amartya Sen, the 1998 winner of the Nobel Prize for economics for his contributions to welfare economics is an avid proponent of the idea that culture matters1. In fact, the debate is no longer whether culture is important but rather where and how culture can contribute to the sociological and economic well being of individuals. This paper focuses on the economic and perhaps more tangible aspects of culture although this does not and should not suggest that the economic consequences of culture are more important than non-economic aspects of culture.
Globally, culture has received more recognition and attention in recent years. Many countries for example Canada, Australia, UK, Philippines, Italy, France, have realised the importance and value of the contribution of the culture and its industries.
Amartya Sen, the 1998 winner of the Nobel Prize for economics for his contributions to welfare economics is an avid proponent of the idea that culture matters1. In fact, the debate is no longer whether culture is important but rather where and how culture can contribute to the sociological and economic well being of individuals. This paper focuses on the economic and perhaps more tangible aspects of culture although this does not and should not suggest that the economic consequences of culture are more important than non-economic aspects of culture.
A case study by the South African Cultural Observatory
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