Natalie Bau

Natalie Bau is a Professor of Economics at the University of California, Los Angeles, with a joint appointment in the department of public policy. Her research spans development and educational economics, focusing on the effects of cultural traditions on economic decision-making and the industrial organization of educational markets. She has published in leading economics journals, including the Journal of Political Economy and the Quarterly Journal of Economics. Prior to her current position, she held positions at the University of Toronto and the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs.

Natalie Bau is a scholar specializing in Development economics, Education Economics, Cultural Economics, and Industrial Organization. Her research explores the intersection of economic policies and social norms, focusing on how cultural practices influence education, labor markets, and economic development. She investigates topics such as the impact of bride price on female education, the role of teacher value added in low-income countries, and the effects of government pension plans on traditional kinship practices. Her work also examines the long-term effects of teaching negotiation skills to adolescent girls and the role of cultural institutions in modern economic contexts. Bau's research highlights the importance of understanding cultural dynamics in shaping economic outcomes and policy effectiveness.