Yiyun Peng

Overview

Thematically, I am most interested in the history of economy and technology, although my research also extends to the issues of environment, governmentality, and modernity. I focus on China, but I have taught a course on science, technology, and society in East Asia and also study Southeast Asia as a sub-field. 

Advisors:  Victor Seow, Eric Tagliacozzo, TJ Hinrichs

Research Focus

My dissertation works on the highland economy in upland Southeast China, roughly from 1500-1950, and analyzes its unique economic mode different from that in lowlands. Through the lens of a few highland industries, including indigo, paper, ramie, tobacco, and iron, my work reveals how the highlanders produced, transported, and traded these goods, and made a living and sometimes a fortune from them in such a difficult environment. This project intends to demonstrate a comprehensive picture of the highland economic activities and their interactions with the society, environment, and the state.