On 14th November, Professor James Heckman, awardee of the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2000, The Henry Schultz Distinguished Service Professor in Economics at the University of Chicago, delivered a lecture entitled "An Effective Strategy for Reducing Inequality and Promoting Social Mobility by Creating Skills". The lecture was chaired by Professor Qin Xuezheng, deputy dean of School of Economics.

Before the speech, Professor Dong Zhiyong, Dean of School of Economics, presented Professor Heckman with the certificate of Honorary Professorship.

Prof.Dong Zhiyong presenting Prof. James Heckman with the certificate of Honorary Professorship

In the keynote speech, Professor Heckman demonstrated that the rural floating population was one of the forces that catalyzed economic growth in China. However, of all the problems caused by the rural floating population, the care and education of left-behind children was a key problem. He stressed that skill-oriented policy contributed to solving a range of problems such as poverty, social inequality and social mobility. Despite the fact differences in socio-economic groups have formed in the initial phase, skill could be shaped and evolved by dint of continuous input and the improvement of environment.

During the Lecture

Professor Heckman then pointed out that cultivating advanced labor forces could not only help to tackle the population problem China face today, but also improve social mobility in the long run and uneven wealth distribution owing to the rapid growth of income and the unbalanced development of regions. 

Professor James Heckman

Subsequently, Heckman introduced the internationally famous early intervention project and conducted the long-term assessment of the project’s results. According to the Perry Preschool Project, early interventions in upgrading skill played a role by non-cognitive channels, which reduced the probability of becoming chronic law-breakers after the participants grown up.

Finally, Professor Heckman discussed with teachers and students on parenting style, early childhood development and other related questions. 

The Discussion after the Lecture

Group Photo with Representatives

Biography of Prof. James J. Heckman

James J. Heckman, the Henry Schultz Distinguished Service Professor in Economics and the College, director of the Center for the Economics of Human Development, co-director of Human Capital and Economic Opportunity Global Working Group. In 2000, Heckman shared the Nobel Prize in Economics for his work on the microeconometrics of diversity and heterogeneity and for establishing a sound causal basis for public policy evaluation.