Hongbin Li
Economist and James Liang Chair at Stanford, focused on education, labor markets, and the institutional foundations of China's economic development, who also served directly on Gaokao reform efforts.
Best podcasts with Hongbin Li
Ranked by the Snipd community
11 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 1h 16min
The Highest Exam: Jia Ruixue and Li Hongbin on China's Gaokao and What It Reveals About Chinese Society
Jia Ruixue, a professor at UC San Diego, and Li Hongbin, an economist at Stanford, dive deep into the complexities of China's Gaokao, the crucial college entrance exam. They discuss how it serves as a formidable gatekeeper for social mobility, the intense pressure families face, and the limited alternatives within the labor market. The guests share personal stories that highlight how the exam system endures despite its flaws, and why reform efforts often fail. They illuminate the intersection of education, inequality, and economic growth in contemporary China.
8 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 1h 13min
Sinocism Live: Understanding China's Exam-centric Education System
In this insightful discussion, Ruixue Jia, a political economist at UC San Diego, and Hongbin Li, a labor economist at Stanford, explore their groundbreaking book on China's exam-centric education system. They delve into the Gaokao, revealing its roots in imperial exams and its role in social mobility and stability. The conversation highlights issues of educational inequality, the impact of a tutoring crackdown, and how families invest heavily in education. Additionally, they discuss the challenges of attracting teachers to rural areas and the significance of education in China's global competitiveness.
