Paulo Santos presents evidence on the agricultural origins of prejudice from multiple Asian societies

Paulo Santos presents at the WIDER Seminar Series on 20 September 2023.

Paddy and prejudice: evidence on the agricultural origins of prejudice from China and 12 other Asian societies

Abstract

We examine the role that historical agricultural technology, in the form of paddy rice cultivation, has in influencing contemporary levels of prejudice in China and 12 other Asian societies. People living in areas in which paddy rice farming has been long practiced exhibit lower prejudice towards outgroup members. We examine the relative importance of two competing mechanisms, the early expansion of grain markets and strength of social identity, which can be linked with technological characteristics of paddy production, in explaining this result. We show that our result likely reflects the dominant role of the expansion of markets, which was instrumental in promoting understanding of outsiders.

About the presenter

Paulo Santos is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at Monash University. His research focuses on agricultural development and natural resource management, with a regional emphasis in Southeast Asia.

WIDER Seminar Series

The WIDER Seminar Series showcases the latest research on key topics in development economics. It provides a forum for senior and early-career researchers, both in-house and external, to present recent and ongoing work related to UNU-WIDER’s current work programme.

In addition to providing a forum for both academic debate and training, the series presents an opportunity for policy makers and others interested in development to learn about the latest research methods and findings.

The WIDER Seminar Series events take place on Wednesdays. All those interested are invited to register and attend via Zoom or in person.