Work

From politics to economics: The investigation of the determinants of local administrative hierarchy in the Tang–Song transition

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study collects original data to examine the determinants of classification criteria of county hierarchy and its rank variations during the Tang–Song period. The results reveal that the county hierarchy was affected by both economic and political situations, with more emphasis on politics in Tang and economics in Song. By comparing the county ranks through two dynasties, we find that political factors influenced rank elevation mainly near the capital while economic factors emerged as the primary driver of rank increases in southern regions, reflecting the economic center southward shift during the Tang–Song Transition.

Source: Asia‐Pacific Economic History Review

DOI: 10.1111/aehr.12307

Authors: Nan Li, Heqi Cai

Institutions: Fudan University, University of Warwick

Language: English

Topic: Historical Economic and Social Studies

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,900

Funders: Xiamen University, National Ethnic Affairs Commission of the People's Republic of China