Advisors
Saumitra Jha
Romain Wacziarg
 


Email: paik_christopher@gsb.stanford.edu

• Paik, Christopher, "Historical Underpinnings of Institutions: Evidence From the Neolithic Revolution" (Job Market Paper)

  Abstract: This paper provides evidence that Neolithic Revolution has affected modern institutions by influencing the spread of early institutions. Using novel vegetation data and carbon dates that show the initial agricultural adoption from various Neolithic archaeological sites, as well as executive constraint and extraction level data in Europe and East Asia, the results show that the regions which experienced the adoption of agriculture early developed more extractive institutions that have persisted over generations.   

• Paik, Christopher, "A Neolithic Study of Group Divergence and Cultural Persistence"

  Abstract: This paper uses data from the World Values Survey(WVS) and carbon dates of initial agricultural adoption covering Europe and the Near East to show a possible link between current cultural behaviors of people and prehistorical events, namely the Neolithic Revolution. Taking the initial agricultural adoption date as a proxy for the initial cultural divergence among the early migrants during the Neolithic Revolution, the empirical findings support the theory of persistent cultural norms. It shows that the respondents in regions which adopted agriculture late are more willing to participate and volunteer in social organizations, and take active roles in local communities. These behaviors measure "social engagement," which helps societies to foster well-functioning institutions.

        Email: paik_christopher@gsb.stanford.edu

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