Cultural tightness does not predict action on the collective threat of climate change

Abstract

We applaud Michele J Gelfand and colleagues on their analysis of cultural tightness–looseness in relation to COVID-19.1 Their work provides an informative and, given the reported effect sizes, compelling demonstration that countries with greater cultural tightness have fewer COVID-19 cases and deaths than culturally looser countries do. The authors also propose an interesting corollary to their results, stating that: “The results suggest that tightening social norms might confer an evolutionary advantage in times of collective threat.” and that “Social norm interventions will be critical for helping groups to tighten norms […] to deal with future collective threats.”.