Ronald Inglehart American political scientist, professor at the University of Michigan, researching the World Values Survey Date of Birth: 05.09.1934 Country: USA

1. American Political Scientist and Professor
2. Postmaterialism Theory
3. Modernization and Postmodernization
4. The Rising Tide: Gender Equality and Cultural Change Around the World
5. Continued Research and Influence

American Political Scientist and Professor

Ronald Inglehart is an American political scientist and professor at the University of Michigan. He is well-known for his research on the World Values Survey, which has had a significant influence on the work of sociologists worldwide. His publications have been translated into multiple languages, including German, Italian, Spanish, French, Swedish, Portuguese, Russian, Polish, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. Inglehart currently serves as the director of the World Values Survey.

Postmaterialism Theory

In the 1970s, Inglehart developed the theory of postmaterialism. His groundbreaking work, "The Silent Revolution" (1977), examined how the values of new generations in advanced industrial countries have drastically changed. In his book, "Culture Shift in Advanced Industrial Society," Inglehart expanded on this theory, presenting data from 26 countries collected between 1970 and 1988. He analyzed how the gradual replacement of older generations by newer ones affects the social, political, and economic dynamics of both specific regions and the world as a whole. Inglehart's research delved into religious preferences, work motivation, political preferences, as well as attitudes towards children, families, divorce, abortion, and sexual minorities.

Modernization and Postmodernization

In 1997, Inglehart published "Modernization and Postmodernization," further developing his previous themes. This book focused on the impact of industrialization on cultural paradigms. Inglehart argued that industrialization leads to significant changes in society, such as the gradual erosion of gender boundaries, which in turn influences politics and the economy. These transformations occur gradually, with the rise of new generations assuming power. Mature industrial societies shaped by these changes, in turn, shape individuals, and subsequent generations are influenced by these cultural shifts.

The Rising Tide: Gender Equality and Cultural Change Around the World

In collaboration with Pippa Norris, Inglehart co-authored "The Rising Tide: Gender Equality and Cultural Change Around the World." This book explored the relationship between modernization and gender dynamics in the "postmodern" world. Through their research, the authors analyzed nearly 70 nations, ranging from the wealthiest to the developing ones. While building on Inglehart's theories, this work expanded the understanding of his ideas. The collaboration with Norris proved to be fruitful, as they published another book together in 2004, titled "Sacred and Secular: Religion and Politics Worldwide." This study examined the religious beliefs of individuals in different countries and the changes in these beliefs over the years. Inglehart and Norris analyzed a vast amount of data, highlighting that religious faith is strongest among individuals from relatively poor countries and the most vulnerable social and financial strata. Additionally, they observed that individuals from middle and upper-class backgrounds increasingly contemplate the meaning of life.

Continued Research and Influence

Inglehart's postmodernist theory remains one of the most popular ideas in global political science. His works continue to enjoy tremendous success, and he actively pursues research to this day. His latest book was published in 2009, contributing further to the field of sociopolitical analysis.