"Limited Cognitive Abilities and Dominance Hierarchy" (with Jiabin Wu) Acta Biotheoretica, 70 (2022), 17. DOI: 10.1007/s10441-022-09442-6

We propose a novel model to explain the mechanisms underlying dominance hierarchical structures. Guided by a predetermined social convention, agents with limited cognitive abilities optimize their strategies in a Hawk-Dove game. We find that several commonly observed hierarchical structures in nature such as linear hierarchy and despotism, emerge as the total fitness-maximizing social structures given different levels of cognitive abilities.

"Economic Development, Education and Ethnicity Choice in China"

The research studies the impact of economic development and education on ethnic choice for children by parents in mixed ethnic families in China. An intra-housing bargaining model is developed to describe the family decision on choosing ethnicity for children. Economic development and education generate changes to the indirect and direct benefits and costs of having Han/minority children for families, as well as to the intra-household bargaining powers between the parents, hence create changes on their choice of ethnicity for children. Empirical evidence shows that economic development increases the propensity to choose minority ethnicity for children in mixed ethic families, especially in areas with higher educational foundation.

"Cultural Identity Expression in Social Networks"

Cultural traits and trends play important roles in modern societies and communities. This research proposes a theoretical framework of culture expression in a social network. The motives to conform with the community and to be unique among others create different preferences in expressing their cultural identities in a society.