Welcome to Linghui Han's homepage!
I am an assistant professor of Economics at Westmont College. I hold PhDs in Economics from George Mason University and Peking University.
My research interest lies in the political economy of development and demography. My dissertation explores the relationship between industrial organization and institutional change. My work in progress examines states, firms, and families as organizational levels of society, with particular focus on how social norms—including cultural and religious factors—shape these institutions and the emergence of rule of law that facilitated the transition from premodern to modern societies.
My future research agenda will further develop testable hypotheses on the relationship between geography, culture/religion, family institutions, formal institutions, and demography. Understanding how religious beliefs and social norms shape collective versus individualistic orientations is crucial for explaining regional variations in family structures and broader institutional frameworks, which in turn influence demographic patterns through their effects on fertility decisions.
If you share similar research interests, I would be happy to discuss for possible collaboration to materialize a rich research agenda!
Contact
Email: linhan@westmont.edu
Campus address:
Department of Economics and Business
Westmont College
955 La Paz Rd,
Santa Barbara, CA 93108