How are the most personal choices and life transitions decided? When and whom do you marry, how many children do you have, how much education should you obtain, and which careers or jobs will you pursue? Much will be explored in terms of change over time, particularly concerning the economic emergence of women and the growing role of government. Readings draw on economic theory, empirical analyses, history, and literature from the 19th century to the present.
An exploration of the role of education in the economy using historical, comparative, and current policy perspectives. Topics include the theory of human capital, role of education in economic growth and distribution, the educational production function, vouchers, charter schools, class size, standards, school equalization, for-profit educational institutions, and the gender gap in college completion.
Explores a range of subjects concerning human capital, historically and comparatively. Topics include fertility, mortality, health, immigration, women's work, child labor, retirement, education, inequality, slavery, unionization, and governmental regulation of labor, all within the broader context of economic history.
Intended for students writing dissertations related to economic history themes and/or methodology and for others with interests in economic history. Discusses research papers presented by scholars at Harvard and elsewhere.
Participants discuss recent research in economic history and present their own work in progress.
Outside speakers present research concerning the operation of labor markets.
Participants discuss recent research in labor economics and present their own work in progress. Open to doctoral students in economics who have passed their oral examinations.
