Category Archives: Thoughts

2012

Posted on January 4, 2012 | 6 Comments

A new friend I made in Beijing!

I love New Year’s. While there is admittedly little literal significance between December 31st and January 1st, the symbolism it represents is quite momentous. New Year’s represents a unified moment in time when the entire world figuratively writes the concluding sentence on its most recent chapter, and together turns the page to begin scripting the next segment of history. And so, as we stand between the end of another chaotic holiday season and the resumption of our academic and professional careers, I’d like to spend time reflecting on three observations I made in 2011, and on professing three resolutions I have established for 2012 – in hopes that it may inspire you as much as I believe this will motivate me.

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Equality

Posted on October 25, 2011 | 2 Comments

Grabbing dinner in Shanghai.

Recently, I had a lecture on the economics of China’s evolving labor market. The lecture began by discussing the transition of China from a planned economy to a market economy. During the planned economy period, household roles were determined by the government, everyone was paid relatively equally and there was essentially no external market for labor. However, in the past couple decades, China has moved towards a capitalistic system with socialistic characteristics. This meant that households had the freedom to allocate their own time and employers were empowered with compensation and hiring decisions. On the other hand, unemployment would begin, job mobility will appear and inequality would arise. The class then began to focus on the inequality aspect of this transition, particularly the concept of inequality within the family. More specifically, an extensive discussion on the role of women within the household arose – a subject I would like to expand on.

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The Education Bubble

Posted on April 12, 2011 | 4 Comments

Are institutions like this overvalued?

We dispelled a number of myths in the past decade.  Technology companies were supposed to usher in a new economy – until we learned users don’t correlate with revenue.  Iraq was supposed to house weapons of mass destruction and terrorists – until our military found nothing there once we wiped out an entire government.  Homes were supposed to be safe assets and obtainable for everyone – until the sub-prime mortgage crisis hit.  The next lie we are about to come to terms with is both scary and personal for many of us.  We have been told by society that a college education is both critical and essential for a secure and successful future.  But if current trends continue, we will soon find that this is a lie and that a college education structured in its present format will harm and inhibit students far more than it will benefit them.  We will discuss the reasons below.

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