Dr. Melanie Xue

Biography

Melanie Meng Xue is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economic History at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and a Research Affiliate at the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR). Her research interests encompass political economy, gender, cultural narratives, and early modern to modern China. Xue's work critically analyzes the rise of women's self-perpetuation in authoritarian regimes and the long-term effects of affirmative action policies. Her research involves tracing the impact of historical events over time and the role of institutional settings, alongside the crucial role of values, beliefs, and norms in shaping economic and political disparities. Recent projects include exploring cultural changes stemming from the Industrial Revolution and a study of proverbs. Currently, she is focused on cultural values in China across different space and time contexts, including the impact of ethnic groups. Xue is also accepting PhD students, particularly those interested in Chinese economic history, gender from a historical perspective, and national or regional folklore.

Research Interests

Experience