European inventory of
societal values of culture

Ranaivoson - Measuring cultural diversity

Ranaivoson, H. (2007). Measuring cultural diversity: A review of existing definitions. UNESCO

This research paper deals with the issue of defining and measuring the diversity of cultural expressions. It proposes a three-dimensional definition of the term based on a review of existing literature on the concept of diversity in a range of disciplines, including biology, economics, and sociology. Drawing on these methodologies, the paper then identifies the main variables to be used and the essential properties of a robust set of indices to assess the diversity of cultural expressions. Finally, it highlights several issues to be further discussed. Although this concept paper has been made available for public use by UNESCO, it should be noted that the author is responsible for the choice and presentation of facts and for the opinions expressed therein, which are not necessarily those of UNESCO and do not commit the Organization.