Political Economy
The Political Economy of Human Capital (PEHC) program leverages causal inference using observational, administrative and experimental data to study human capital issues at the intersection of political economy, public policy and development. Projects are unified by their focus on identifying the extent to which political institutions alter the quality of local public goods – from the structure of the economy, to the distribution of property rights – and if so, how: considering the impact of political institutions on human capital, the capacity of elected leaders to govern and the quality of deliberative democracy and inter-group relations. The PEHC faculty research can be organized around three themes: 1) representation and quality of local government; 2) affirmative action and human capital; and 3) the impact of exogenous shocks on mobility, economic bargaining power and political engagement.
Research Highlights
Latest News & Publications
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Later Entrance into Primary School May Improve Education, Health and Economic Outcomes – Evidence from Lesotho
May 05, 2026Starting school at an older age may result in greater health, educational, and economic well-being among children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), according to... [ More ]
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Informality Is Africa’s Reality, And Its Policy Challenge: Takeaways from the ISHi – Africa Task Force
March 17, 2026Across sub-Saharan Africa, informality is not the exception, but the economic reality. Four out of five workers in sub-Saharan Africa earn their living through the... [ More ]
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Request for Proposals: Human Capital Initiative PhD Summer Fieldwork Fellowships
March 11, 2026Due date: Monday 6 April, 2026 (5pm EST) The Human Capital Initiative (HCI) at the Boston University Global Development Policy Center is pleased to announce a... [ More ]