Cultural divisions and time: Mapping diachronic homologies using class-specific MCA (CSA)

Abstract

In this article, we present an alternative approach to study dimensional stability and change in cultural divisions across time. Drawing on recent developments in Geometric Data Analysis (GDA), we combine the use of two distinct statistical techniques: Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) and Class Specific MCA (CSA). Specifically, the approach allows for the systematic investigation of three key aspects: (i) whether and how the dimensionality and the structure of primary axes of geometrical spaces have been stable or subject to change; (ii) how the oppositions depicted by the axes of such spaces have become weaker or stronger; and (iii), how the connection between cultural divisions and class divisions has developed over time. Our exemplary case is Norway and the data stem from five different rounds of The Culture and Media Survey, conducted by Statistics Norway between 2000 and 2016.