Abstract

Klamer emphasizes the point that culture is an end in itself – a factor in the construction of value. It focuses on the ability of culture to inspire, express, and symbolize collective memory and identity. While the chapter focuses on cultural products, this has more general application. A cultural lens permits a recognition of this value in a country’s heritage -- its monuments, museums, sacred sites, expressive and artistic traditions. They contribute directly to well-being in more than an economic sense. This presents a particular development challenge – how do we assess the inherent value of culture? To what extent should a country invest in taking care of its cultural heritage? The question is particularly difficult for a poor country facing tradeoffs in its ability to provide basic necessities of life such as good health, education and jobs. As Sen argues, sometimes entities with an inherent cultural value may also have an economic value, for example as tourist sites, but there remains a need to assess their cultural value independent of their economic worth. Klamer emphasizes the centrality of interactions between different actors in the development of valuations within social groups. This echoes a broader theme of the book on the role of debate, participation and deliberation to make choices.