Genetic diversity and economic development: Evidence from Chinese provinces

Kenneth Chan, Vinh Q.T. Dang and Tingting Li

International Review of Economics & Finance, 2018, vol. 56, issue C, 50-62

Abstract: This paper examines whether the genetic patterns among Chinese provinces are good predictors of provincial prosperity. Asfraf & Galor (2013) found genetic diversity has two offsetting impacts on prosperity. It lowers the interpersonal trust, which weakens collective actions. But it also brings a variety of ideas and abilities that are conducive to innovation. Asfraf-Galor found a hump-shaped relationship between genetic diversity and prosperity. Our paper finds genetic diversity has a negative impact not only on trust but also on innovative activities among Chinese provinces. Hence, only part of Ashraf-Galor's predictions is supported. A collectivist culture might explain this difference.

Keywords: Culture; Genetic diversity; Prosperity; China (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: N35 N55 O1 O3 O4 O53 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:reveco:v:56:y:2018:i:c:p:50-62

DOI: 10.1016/j.iref.2018.03.017

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