Led by Dr. Plamen Akaliyski at Lingnan University, the Comparative Culturology Lab explores some of the most fundamental questions in the social sciences: how and why do cultures differ, and what do these differences mean for people and societies today? 🌍

To tackle these complex questions, our lab brings interdisciplinary insights from sociology, psychology, political science, anthropology, economics, and beyond.

We treat culture as a societal phenomenon—not just an individual trait—and investigate its origins, transformations, and consequences. Our research asks:
🔹 How can we conceptualize and measure culture, ensuring validity and reliability?
🔹 What drives cultural change across nations and generations, and how does this change occur?
🔹 How do cultural values shape social outcomes such as social trust, cooperation, gender equality, happiness, health, and innovation?

Our projects range from rethinking Hofstede’s classic Individualism–Collectivism index, to mapping attitudinal heterogeneity across 117 countries, to uncovering demographic constraints on global progress in gender equality. We also engage with public debates, challenging persistent stereotypes (e.g., “East Asia = collectivist”) and triangulating diverse sources of evidence.

The Comparative Culturology Lab is an interdisciplinary hub and global network 🤝, connecting scholars across continents who share a curiosity for the cultural forces that shape our world. Our members publish in leading journals, collaborate widely, and actively contribute to methodological innovation in cross-cultural research.

We welcome collaborators, students, and curious minds who want to better understand culture’s role in human life. Follow us ✨ to stay updated on our latest findings, events, and insights into the cultural patterns shaping our societies.

Comparative Culturology Lab

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