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Legacies of Vietnam's imperial examinations, 1075–1919: More investment in education and better educational outcomes

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  • Vu, Tien Manh
  • Yamada, Hiroyuki

Abstract

This study measures the impact of the number of people who passed the Vietnamese imperial examinations (1075–1919) on the present-day quantity and quality of education in their home districts. Our analyses at the district and individual levels are based mainly on the data of successful imperial test takers, the 2009 population census, and 2009 National Entrance Exams to University test scores. We find a persistent legacy in educational attainment outcomes. Although there may be multiple channels that explain the long-term historical effects, a tradition of human capital investment and cultural elements are among the most important factors.

Suggested Citation

  • Vu, Tien Manh & Yamada, Hiroyuki, 2023. "Legacies of Vietnam's imperial examinations, 1075–1919: More investment in education and better educational outcomes," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 51(1), pages 2-14.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jcecon:v:51:y:2023:i:1:p:2-14
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jce.2022.09.004
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Education; Human capital; Imperial examination; Historical legacy; Vietnam;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I25 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Economic Development
    • N35 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Asia including Middle East
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • Z1 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics

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