Multidimensional inequality in Chinese economics academia

This study explores three dimensions of inequality within the realm of Chinese economics academia: gender, political affiliation, and international degree, using a unique database constructed from faculty members’ websites and third-party publication records. The findings, derived from a matching algorithm, suggest that being male, having political affiliations, and possessing an international degree significantly enhance the chances of academic advancement. In the base model, male faculty members are 6.5% more likely to achieve full professorship, while those with an international degree have a 6.9% higher probability, and faculty members with political affiliations show a 5.9% increased likelihood. However, an alternative specification presents mixed evidence concerning the role of political affiliation in academic careers. The study also investigates disparities across different schools, uncovering a link between promotion rates and institutional ranking within the Chinese context. Notably, top-tier institutions tend to display larger gender and international disparities but lesser influence from political connections. This study contributes to the theoretical discourse on the impact of gender and political connections on academic promotion. It also examines the effect of skill-biased demand on international pedagogical experience in Chinese universities.