ON THE DIFFUSION OF INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL VALUES - INSTITUTIONALIZATION AND DEMOGRAPHIC-TRANSITION

Objective. This study focuses on the institutionalization of the domin ant international belief of limited population growth by individual na tions. The authors seek evidence relating a decrease in population gro wth rates to the institutionalization of world views. Methods. Using m easures of governmental opinions maintained by the United Nations as w ell as crude growth rates, the views of 141 nations toward their own p opulation growth are examined and compared to their actual growth rate s. Results. Evidence was found that overall the views of the world's n ations toward perceived population growth within their countries are i ncreasingly reflecting the dominant world view that population growth rates are too high. While economic development impacts population grow th, there is evidence that institutionalization of world opinion also impacts population growth. Conclusions. By augmenting traditional demo graphic theory with institutional theory, a clearer understanding of t his phenomenon is possible. These findings provide valuable insights i nto the diffusion of social values at the global level. If, as this st udy suggests, world values are being institutionalized, it is likely t hat worldwide crude growth rates will continue to decline.