Charles Maxwell Becker
Research Professor of Economics
Charles Becker is interested in exploring the economies of such countries as Kazakhstan, India, sub-Saharan Africa, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan. His research has focused on economic demography, social security system forecasting, CGE modeling, mortality and disability risk, determinants of health care utilization, computable general equilibrium simulation modeling, and urban economics. His on-going projects involve assessing infant mortality rates, poverty in developing countries, accidental deaths in middle-income countries, and the performance of minority students in Economics doctoral programs. He recently worked with Irina Merkuryeva on a project investigating, “Disability Risk and Miraculous Recoveries in Russia,” and with Rebecca Anthopolos on, “Gobal Infant Mortality: Initial results from a cross-country infant mortality comparison project.” He also collaborated with Grigory Marchenko, Sabit Khakimzhanov, Ai-Gul Seitenova, and Vladimir Ivliev on a project entitled, “Social Secutiry Reform in Transition Economies: Lessons from Kazakhstan,” and with Amitava Krishna Dutt and Jaime Ros on, “Urbanization and Rural-Urban Migration.”
Current Appointments & Affiliations
- Research Professor of Economics, Economics, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences 2004
- Director of PhD Placement for MA Program in the Department of Economics, Economics, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences 2022
Contact Information
- 312 Social Sciences, Box 90097, Durham, NC 27708
- Box 90097, Durham, NC 27708-0097
-
cbecker@econ.duke.edu
(919) 660-1800
-
Personal Website
- Background
-
Education, Training, & Certifications
- Ph.D., Princeton University 1981
- B.A., Grinnell College 1976
-
Previous Appointments & Affiliations
- Director of the MSEC Program in Economics, Economics, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences 2021 - 2023
- Director of PhD Placement for MA Program in the Department of Economics, Economics, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences 2020 - 2022
- Director of PhD Placement for MA program in the Department of Economics, Economics, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences 2019 - 2021
- Research Professor of Slavic and Eurasian Studies, Slavic & Eurasian Studies, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences 2015 - 2018
- Associate Chair of Economics, Economics, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences 2016 - 2017
- Director of Graduate Studies of the MSEC Degree Program of Economics, Economics, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences 2016 - 2017
- Director of PhD Placement for Master's Program of Economics, Economics, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences 2016 - 2017
- Director of the MA Program in the Department of Economics, Economics, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences 2009 - 2014
- Associate Chair of the Department of Economics, Economics, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences 2010 - 2014
- Recognition
-
In the News
-
MAR 2, 2022 -
JAN 9, 2020 The Independent Weekly -
SEP 29, 2015 Duke Today -
AUG 4, 2015 WalletHub -
JUL 9, 2015 -
MAY 8, 2015 Durham Herald-Sun -
AUG 11, 2014 -
SEP 24, 2013 BBC News
-
- Expertise
-
Global Scholarship
- Research
-
Selected Grants
- American Economic Association Summer Program and Minority Scholarship Program awarded by National Science Foundation 2005 - 2008
- American Economic Association Summer Training Program awarded by National Science Foundation 2003 - 2005
-
External Relationships
- Kyiv School of Economics
- Max Planck Society (Germany)
- Nazarbayev Univ (via Univ of Wisconsin - Madison)
- New Economics School - Hong Kong University of Science & Technology
- Publications & Artistic Works
-
Selected Publications
-
Books
-
Becker, C. M., G. A. Marchenko, S. Khakimzhanov, A. G. S. Seitenova, and V. Ivliev. Social security reform in transition economies: Lessons from Kazakhstan, 2009. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230618022.Full Text
-
-
Academic Articles
-
Morgenstern, G., and C. Becker. “Race and Subprime Lending Frequency: Understanding Subprime Lending's Role in the St. Louis Vacancy Crisis.” Review of Black Political Economy, January 1, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1177/00346446231164167.Full Text
-
An, G., C. Becker, and E. Cheng. “Bubbling Away: Forecasting Real Estate Prices, Rents, and Bubbles in a Transition Economy.” Comparative Economic Studies 63, no. 2 (June 1, 2021): 263–317. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41294-020-00138-9.Full Text
-
An, G., C. Becker, and E. Cheng. “Housing price appreciation and economic integration in a transition economy: Evidence from Kazakhstan.” Journal of Housing Economics 52 (June 1, 2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhe.2021.101765.Full Text
-
Becker, C., and T. Rickert. “Zoned out? The determinants of manufactured housing rents: Evidence from North Carolina.” Journal of Housing Economics 46 (December 1, 2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhe.2019.03.003.Full Text
-
Steiner, S., and C. M. Becker. “How marriages based on bride capture differ: Evidence from Kyrgyzstan.” Demographic Research 41 (July 1, 2019): 579–92. https://doi.org/10.4054/DemRes.2019.41.20.Full Text
-
Werner, C., C. Edling, C. Becker, E. Kim, R. Kleinbach, F. E. Sartbay, and W. Teachout. “Bride kidnapping in post-Soviet Eurasia: a roundtable discussion.” Central Asian Survey 37, no. 4 (October 2, 2018): 582–601. https://doi.org/10.1080/02634937.2018.1511519.Full Text
-
Olofsgård, A., P. Wachtel, and C. M. Becker. “The economics of transition literature.” Economics of Transition 26, no. 4 (October 1, 2018): 827–40. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecot.12196.Full Text
-
An, G., C. M. Becker, and E. Cheng. “Economic Crisis, Income Gaps, Uncertainty, and Inter-regional Migration Responses: Kazakhstan 2000–2014.” Journal of Development Studies 53, no. 9 (September 2, 2017): 1452–70. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220388.2016.1257118.Full Text
-
Becker, C. M., C. E. Rouse, and M. Chen. “Can a summer make a difference? The impact of the American Economic Association Summer Program on minority student outcomes.” Economics of Education Review 53 (August 1, 2016): 46–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econedurev.2016.03.009.Full Text
-
Ye, V., and C. M. Becker. “The Z-Axis: Elevation Gradient Effects in Urban America.” Economic Research Initiatives at Duke (Erid), no. 217 (June 7, 2016).Open Access Copy
-
Geissler, Kimberley, Sally C. Stearns, Charles Becker, Harsha Thirumurthy, and George M. Holmes. “The relationship between violence in Northern Mexico and potentially avoidable hospitalizations in the USA-Mexico border region.” Journal of Public Health (Oxford, England) 38, no. 1 (March 2016): 14–23. https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdv012.Full Text
-
Geissler, Kimberley H., Charles Becker, Sally C. Stearns, Harsha Thirumurthy, and George M. Holmes. “Exploring the Association of Homicides in Northern Mexico and Healthcare Access for US Residents.” Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health 17, no. 4 (August 2015): 1214–24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-014-0053-4.Full Text
-
Becker, Charles M., and Irina S. Merkuryeva. “Disability incidence and official health status transitions in Russia.” Economics and Human Biology 10, no. 1 (January 2012): 74–88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ehb.2011.06.005.Full Text
-
Andreev, A. A., and C. M. Becker. “Age-adjusted disability rates and regional effects in Russia.” Demographic Research 23 (November 10, 2010): 749–70. https://doi.org/10.4054/DemRes.2010.23.27.Full Text
-
Anthopolos, R., and C. M. Becker. “Global Infant Mortality: Correcting for Undercounting.” World Development 38, no. 4 (April 1, 2010): 467–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2009.11.013.Full Text
-
Becker, C. M. “Urbanization and rural-urban migration,” December 1, 2008, 516–31.
-
Becker, C. M., and T. A. Craigie. “W. Arthur lewis in retrospect.” Review of Black Political Economy 34, no. 3–4 (January 1, 2007): 187–216. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12114-008-9010-6.Full Text
-
Becker, C. M., Erbolat Musabek, Ai-Gul Seitenova, and Dina Urzhumova. “The migration response to economic shock: lessons.” Journal of Comparative Economics 33, no. 1 (March 2005).
-
Becker, Charles M., and Dina S. Urzhumova. “Mortality recovery and stabilization in Kazakhstan, 1995-2001.” Economics and Human Biology 3, no. 1 (March 2005): 97–122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ehb.2004.12.003.Full Text
-
Becker, C., and S. V. Paltsev. “Economic consequences of demographic change in the former USSR: Social transfers in the Kyrgyz Republic.” World Development 32, no. 11 (November 1, 2004): 1849–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2004.06.009.Full Text
-
Seitenova, A. G. S., and C. M. Becker. “Kazakhstan's pension system: Pressures for change and dramatic reforms.” Hitotsubashi Journal of Economics 45, no. 2 (January 1, 2004): 151–87.
-
Becker, C. M., E. N. Musabek, A. G. S. Seitenova, and D. S. Urzhumova. “Short-term migration responses of women and men during economic turmoil: Lessons from Kazakhstan.” Eurasian Geography and Economics 44, no. 3 (January 1, 2003): 228–43. https://doi.org/10.2747/1538-7216.44.3.228.Full Text
-
Becker, C. M. “Fertility Decline in sub-Saharan Africa.” Journal of African Policy Studies 7, no. 2–3 (May 2002): 1–16.
-
Becker, C. M., A. S. Seitenova, and J. Piedra. “Demand for bank loans and credit bureau services in the Republic of.” ,” Central Asian Journal of Management, Economics and Social Research 3, no. 1 (2002): 1–19.
-
Becker, C. M., and S. V. Paltsev. “Macro-Experimental Economics in the Kyrgyz Republic: Social Security Sustainability and.” Comparative Economic Studies 43, no. 4 (October 2001): 1–34.
-
Quddus, M., and C. M. Becker. “Speculative Price Bubbles in the Rice Market and the 1974 Bangladesh Famine.” Journal of Economic Development 25, no. 2 (December 2000): 155–75.Open Access Copy Link to Item
-
Anderson, K. H., and C. M. Becker. “Post-Soviet pension systems, retirement, and elderly poverty: Findings from the Kyrgyz Republic.” Most 9, no. 4 (December 1, 1999): 459–78. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009556526212.Full Text
-
Becker, C. M., D. I. Bibosunova, G. E. Holmes, and M. M. Ibragimova. “Maternal care vs. economic wealth and the health of newborns: Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic and Kansas City, USA.” World Development 26, no. 11 (November 1, 1998): 2057–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-750X(98)00093-X.Full Text
-
Becker, C. M., and D. D. Hemley. “Demographic change in the former Soviet Union during the transition period.” World Development 26, no. 11 (November 1, 1998): 1957–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-750X(98)00113-2.Full Text
-
Becker, C. M., and D. S. Urzhumova. “Pension burdens and labor force participation in Kazakstan.” World Development 26, no. 11 (November 1, 1998): 2087–2103. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-750X(98)00107-7.Full Text
-
Becker, C., and D. Bloom. “The Demographic crisis in the Former Soviet Union: Introduction.” World Development 26, no. 11 (January 1, 1998): 1913–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-750X(98)00097-7.Full Text
-
Becker, C. M., and C. D. Grewe. “Cohort-specific rural-urban migration in Africa.” Journal of African Economies 5, no. 2 (June 1996): 228–70. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.jae.a020904.Full Text
-
Becker, C. M., and Christopher Grewe. “Rural-Urban Migration in Africa: Do Age-Gender Cohorts Matter?” Journal of African Economies 5, no. 2 (June 1996): 228–70.
-
Becker, C. M., and David Hemley. “Interregional Inequality in Russia during the Transition Period.” Comparative Economic Studies 38, no. 1 (May 1996): 55–81.
-
Becker, C. M., and A. R. Morrison. “Observational equivalence in the modeling of African labor markets and urbanization.” World Development 21, no. 4 (January 1, 1993): 535–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-750X(93)90108-L.Full Text
-
Becker, C. M. “The demo-economic impact of the AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa.” World Development 18, no. 12 (January 1, 1990): 1599–1619. https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-750X(90)90058-6.Full Text
-
Becker, C. M. “The Impact of Sanctions on South Africa and Its Periphery.” African Studies Review 31, no. 2 (September 1988): .61-.88.
-
Becker, C. M., and Andrew Morrison. “The Determinants of Urban Population Growth in sub-Saharan Africa.” Economic Development and Cultural Change 36, no. 2 (January 1988): 259–78.
-
Becker, C. M., Timothy Bartik, John Bush, and Steven Lake. “Saturn and State Economic Development.” Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy 2, no. 1 (March 1987): .2940.
-
Becker, C. M. “Urban sector income distribution and economic development.” Journal of Urban Economics 21, no. 2 (January 1, 1987): 127–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/0094-1190(87)90010-6.Full Text
-
Becker, C. M., E. S. Mills, and J. G. Williamson. “Modelling Indian migration and city growth, 1960-2000.” Economic Development &Amp; Cultural Change 35, no. 1 (January 1, 1987): 1–33.
-
Becker, C. M. “Economic Sanctions Against South Africa.” World Politics 39, no. 2 (January 1987): 147–73.
-
Becker, C. M., E. S. Mills, and J. G. Williamson. “Dynamics of rural-urban migration in India: 1960-1981.” Indian Journal of Quantitative Economics 2, no. 1 (January 1986): 1–43.
-
Becker, C. M., and K. C. Ray. “Water resources in the soviet union: Trends and prospects.” Studies in Environmental Science 25, no. C (December 1, 1984): 347–79. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0166-1116(08)72120-4.Full Text
-
Becker, C. M., and Don Fullerton. “Income Tax Incentives to Promote Savings.” National Tax Journal 33, no. 3 (September 1980): 331–51.
-
-
Book Sections
-
Becker, C., S. J. Mendelsohn, and K. Benderskaya. “Russia’s planned urbanisation and misplaced urban development.” In Urban Growth in Emerging Economies: Lessons from the BRICS, 99–142, 2014. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315867878.Full Text
-
Becker, C., and G. Price. “Curriculum intensity in graduate preparatory programs: The impact on performance and progression to graduate study among minority students in economics.” In Doctoral Education and the Faculty of the Future, 146–59, 2008.
-
Becker, C. M., and A. R. Morrison. “Chapter 43 Urbanization in transforming economies,” 3:1673–1790, 1999. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1574-0080(99)80012-1.Full Text
-
-
Other Articles
-
Becker, C. M., and M. Turaeva. “Queen Bees and Domestic Violence: Patrilocal Marriage in Tajikistan.” Economic Research Initiatives at Duke (Erid), October 31, 2016.Open Access Copy
-
Becker, C. M., and M. Turaeva. “Appendix to 'Queen Bees and Domestic Violence: Patrilocal Marriage in Tajikistan'.” Economic Research Initiatives at Duke (Erid), October 31, 2016.Open Access Copy
-
Ye, V., and C. M. Becker. “The (Literally) Steepest Slope: Spatial, Temporal, and Elevation Variance Gradients in Urban Spatial Modelling.” Economic Research Initiatives at Duke (Erid), October 15, 2016.
-
Becker, C. M., B. Mirkasimov, and S. Steiner. “Forced Marriage and Birth Outcomes.” Economic Research Initiatives at Duke (Erid), April 6, 2016.Open Access Copy
-
Nigmatulina, D., and C. M. Becker. “Is High-Tech Care in a Middle Income Country Worth It? Evidence from Perinatal Centers in Russia.” Economic Research Initiatives at Duke (Erid) Working Paper, December 30, 2015.Open Access Copy
-
Becker, C. M., and A. Yea. “The Value of Manufactured Housing Communities: A Dual-Ownership Model.” Economic Research Initiatives at Duke (Erid) Working Paper, October 15, 2015.Open Access Copy
-
-
Conference Papers
-
Becker, C. M., E. S. Mills, and J. G. Williamson. “IMPACT OF UNBALANCED PRODUCTIVITY ADVANCE ON INDIAN URBANIZATION: SOME PRELIMINARY FINDINGS.” In Modeling and Simulation, Proceedings of the Annual Pittsburgh Conference, 187–94, 1984.
-
-
- Teaching & Mentoring
-
Recent Courses
- ECON 390: Selected Topics in Economics 2023
- ECON 605: Advanced Microeconomic Analysis 2023
- ECON 799: Internship 2023
- ECON 493: Honors Research Independent Study 2022
- ECON 593: Research Independent Study 2022
- ECON 605: Advanced Microeconomic Analysis 2022
- ECON 799: Internship 2022
- ECON 345: Urban Economics 2021
- ECON 394: Research Independent Study 2021
- ECON 407D: Soviet and Post-Soviet Economic History 2021
- ECON 554: Urban Economics 2021
- ECON 593: Research Independent Study 2021
- ECON 605: Advanced Microeconomic Analysis 2021
- ECON 627D: Soviet and Post-Soviet Economic History 2021
- ECON 799: Internship 2021
- HISTORY 407D: Soviet and Post-Soviet Economic History 2021
- HISTORY 627D: Soviet and Post-Soviet Economic History 2021
- RUSSIAN 407D: Soviet and Post-Soviet Economic History 2021
- RUSSIAN 627D: Soviet and Post-Soviet Economic History 2021
Some information on this profile has been compiled automatically from Duke databases and external sources. (Our About page explains how this works.) If you see a problem with the information, please write to Scholars@Duke and let us know. We will reply promptly.