The Index
The Regional Index of Looseness (RIL) is a novel measure of cultural tightness-looseness computed at the NUTS-2 regional level for European countries
The Regional Index of Looseness (RIL) is a novel measure of cultural tightness-looseness computed at the NUTS-2 regional level for European countries
What the Index Measures
The RIL measures normative heterogeneity, rather than the content of norms themselves. It captures how widely shared or contested values and behaviors are within a population.
Low values (tight regions): Strong consensus, strict norms, low tolerance for deviation
High values (loose regions): Greater diversity of views, flexible norms, higher tolerance
Dimensions of the Index
The RIL is composed of three measures:
Horizontal Looseness – norm flexibility among peers
Vertical Looseness – attitudes toward authority and institutions
Overall Looseness – average of the two dimensions
Interpretation
The index ranges from 0 to 1:
Values closer to 0 indicate tighter cultural environments
Values closer to 1 indicate looser cultural environments
Importantly, tightness-looseness is a regulatory dimension of culture, independent of whether norms are progressive or conservative.
Why It Matters
Understanding regional variation in looseness helps explain:
Differences in policy compliance
Variation in collective action
Responses to crises and public risks
Regional disparities in institutional effectiveness