The dataset

Data Sources
The RIL is constructed using data from the European Values Study (EVS) (2008 and 2017 waves), aggregated at the NUTS-2 regional level.

Measurement Approach
Unlike traditional approaches based on standard deviation, the RIL uses a measure of ordinal dispersion (1 − l²), which is more appropriate for Likert-scale survey data.

This method captures how far observed responses are from maximum dispersion, providing a normalized measure between 0 and 1.

Construction of the Index

• Horizontal Dimension (14 variables)
  Measures tolerance for behaviors such as:

  • Tax evasion, bribery, and rule-breaking

  • Personal and moral choices (e.g., divorce, abortion, lifestyle behaviors)

• Vertical Dimension (4 variables)
  Measures attitudes toward governance systems, including:

  • Strong leadership without democratic constraints

  • Technocratic governance

  • Military rule

  • Democratic systems  

Each dimension is computed as the average dispersion across relevant survey items, and the overall index is derived from their mean.

Coverage

• European regions at the NUTS-2 level

• Includes both Western and Eastern Europe

• Some regions rely on 2008 data due to availability constraints

Validation
The RIL has been validated through:

• Comparison with existing national indices

• Correlation analysis with cultural and socio-economic variables

• Empirical applications in public health behavior

Results show that the RIL captures a distinct cultural dimension, not reducible to social capital, economic development, or political polarization.