Description
This Elements in Political Economy volume provides a comprehensive analysis of China’s imperial examination system from both economic and political perspectives. Erik H. Wang and Clair Z. Yang investigate how the examination system served as a critical institution for allocating talent, legitimizing authority, and maintaining social order throughout imperial China’s history.
The authors explore the economic implications of merit-based selection, examining how the system influenced labor markets, social mobility, and wealth distribution across dynasties. They analyze the political economy underlying the system’s design, maintenance, and evolution, considering the incentives faced by emperors, officials, and examination candidates.
By combining historical analysis with economic theory, this work demonstrates how institutional structures shaped individual behavior and aggregate outcomes in imperial China. The study offers valuable insights into how societies can leverage educational institutions to balance meritocratic principles with political control.
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