The economics and politics of inequality in China
Call for papers
- Graduate students’ workshop: Wednesday, 4 February 2026
- Conference: Thursday and Friday, 5-6 February 2026
After nearly 50 years of reform, the Chinese economy has radically transformed as it has grown. While millions have emerged from poverty, rapid growth has produced pronounced inequalities, both within China and globally. What role have economic and political mechanisms played in shaping these inequalities? The interdisciplinary nature of this question presents unique challenges, but it also holds the promise for groundbreaking research.
To address these critical issues, we are convening a conference at The University of Manchester from February 4-6, 2026. The conference will advance theories and methodologies related to inequality, potentially inspiring new interdisciplinary research directions that deepen our understanding of inequality and guide future empirical studies. Furthermore, it aims to raise public awareness about issues of inequality, stimulating broader societal discussions and encouraging greater participation in finding solutions.
This conference will create an opportunity for scholars from China and around the world to exchange experiences and lessons learned in areas such as poverty reduction, improving income distribution, and enhancing social mobility. By bringing together scholars from diverse fields, the conference aims to enhance our understanding of global inequality through collaborative learning. This collaborative environment will foster a deeper understanding of the challenges and strategies associated with addressing inequality in a global context.
The conference will serve as a vital bridge for policy dialogue among government officials, scholars, NGOs, and international organizations, fostering critical discussions on policy design and implementation. It strengthens international cooperation by bringing together leading experts in inequality studies from China and around the world, who have produced influential research with significant impacts in their fields. The participation of these experts ensures that the conference not only provides valuable insights into the dynamics of inequality in China but also contributes meaningfully to our understanding of the current state, causes, and future trajectories of global inequality.
A key feature of this event will be to further explore the China Household Income Project (CHIP) survey data and apply it to contemporary economic and political studies. We are pleased to announce that many key members of the CHIP team will be presenting their work.
Paper submissions
Scholars are invited to submit theoretical and empirical papers concerning the Economics and Politics of Inequality in China and the Globe.
- Make your submission online.
- Deadline for submissions: 20 December 2025
- Notification of acceptance: 30 December 2025
- Online registration will be open from 30 December 2025
We plan to select papers from this conference for special issues or sections in academic journals, such as the Manchester School, China Economic Review, China and the World Economy, and the Journal of Chinese Economic and Business Studies.
Registration
Attendance at the conference is free of charge. Registered participants will be provided with lunches and tea/coffee breaks. A conference dinner will also be held on the evening of 5 February. Registration is required for all attendees. Please register online via the conference webpage, which will open after the submission deadline.
Conference organisers
- Peter Gries and Xiaobing Wang, University of Manchester
- Shi Li and Peng Zhang, Zhejiang University
- Lina Song, Nottingham University