Subculture Characteristics within Post-Soviet States: Evidence from World Values Surveys

The purpose of this study is to examine the patterns of regional cultural differences within post-Soviet countries. This study is analyzed using the World Values Survey (WVS) as data source. We aim to study the differences between countries and how much attention should be paid to variances between post-Soviet countries. The indicators of cultural dimensions were based on Hofstede’s cultural dimensions. To analyze subnational cultural differences, we applied confirmatory factor analysis and regional-level aggregation, ensuring a systematic measurement of cultural variability. The extent and nature of internal cultural differences in post-Soviet countries were examined. The results show regional and cultural patterns among the countries observed. We identified countries where within-country cultural variability was greater (Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan) and less (Armenia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan) than cross-national variability. This suggests that while some post-Soviet states maintain strong cultural homogeneity, others exhibit substantial internal diversity, which has implications for governance, economic development, and social cohesion. Understanding these regional cultural variations is crucial for policymakers, multinational corporations, and researchers examining post-Soviet cultural transformations. Studying regional cultural differences within countries is important. However, the depth of regional analysis should be adapted to each country’s specific cultural heterogeneity and the objectives of the research. Despite the robustness of the WVS dataset, limitations such as regional data availability and potential measurement inconsistencies should be acknowledged when interpreting the findings.