The means of production have a significant influence on social and cultural processes, with rice farming leading to collectivist cultures and wheat farming to individualistic ones. Evidence supports these theories, with rice cultures exhibiting more relational thinking and group harmony. A study in China during the Cultural Revolution found that individuals placed on rice farms displayed more collectivist thinking than those on wheat farms, despite similar environments. Another study in Brazilian fishing villages revealed how different production methods led to varying levels of competition. These findings raise questions about the long-term impact of production methods on cultural thinking and whether such thinking can be changed intentionally.
https://marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2024/04/cultivating-minds-the-psychological-consequences-of-rice-versus-wheat-farming.html