CULTURE, INSTITUTIONS, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: HEALTH AND LONG-TERM CARE SYSTEMS

This book explores the linkages between culture, institutions and economic development, focusing on health and long-term care systems. A sizable and increasing number of studies have analyzed the impact of culture on various economic outcomes. Yet, there are relatively few studies that examine the cultural foundations of health as well as long-term care systems, especially in develop countries. Long-term care systems are particularly important in countries that are ageing rapidly such as Thailand. Population ageing has driven up long-term care expenditures and long-term care itself is a growing sector of the economy in many countries. As long-term care is predominantly provided by family members, it also affects labor markets, productivity, and the health status of caregivers.

The up-to-date literature review provided by the author in this book comprehensively and thoroughly demonstrates the omnipresence of culture and highlights existing gaps. The most unique aspect of this book is the comparative case study that examines the influence of cultural dimension on long-term care systems in Germany and Thailand. This case study was developed for the research project titled "The role of national culture in the social and economic development of Germany and Thailand" , which was completed in 2019 and financially supported by Thailand Research Fund (TRF) which changed to Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) under RDG6010007. I believe that tis book will be a valuable resource for students, researchers, as well as policy-and decision-makers who are interested in exploring the complex ways in which culture is inthewoven with health long-term care systems.