Prof. Shi Guanming from the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Wisconsin, Madison gave a lecture titled "Social Justice In Your Name" at the Macau University of Science and Technology (M.U.S.T.) N212 Lecture Hall, jointly organized by the School of Business and University International College (UIC) on December 18, 2023, at 3:00 PM. The lecture was hosted by Chair Prof. Zhang Hongming, Dean of UIC, with over 180 faculty members and students in attendance. The content of the lecture was engaging and closely related to daily life. Prof. Shi's interaction and exchange with the faculty and students created a positive atmosphere.
At the beginning of the lecture, Prof. Shi raised a question: "Have you ever experienced being sorted by your last name in a classroom?" This prompted the faculty and students to reflect and contemplate the relationship between names and social justice. The research mentioned whether childhood experiences of being sorted by last name from kindergarten to high school would have a lifelong impact on personal development. Using data from national universities in the United States and China, Prof. Shi compared the differences in classroom practices between U.S. and Chinese university students, examining the interrelationships between university students' choice of majors, last names, and personality traits. She found initial evidence that alphabetical discrimination in U.S. K-12 classrooms has an impact on student’s college major choices, and this influence can be moderated by their personality development. The relevant research results provide practical insights for U.S. educators, career counseling and guidance, higher education policies, students, and the general public.
Before concluding the lecture, Prof. Shi pointed out the Policy implications: Nudging effects, which refers to using subtle and indirect intervention to influence people's behavior and decision-making without restricting their freedom of choice. For example, randomization of seating or roster assignments targeted information campaigns, and creating inclusive classroom environments.
Prof. Shi Guanming currently serves as the Chair of the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She obtained her Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of California at Berkeley in 2005, a Master's degree in Community Development and Applied Economics from the University of Vermont in 1999, and a Bachelor's degree in Economics (International Finance) from Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China in 1995.
Dean of UIC Chair Prof. Zhang Hongming (left) presented a souvenir to
Prof. Shi Guanming (right)
Prof. Shi Guanming interacted with the students and faculty during the lecture