The Impact of Shadow Education Governance Policy on Education Equity in China

Abstract

China has successfully implemented nine-year compulsory education aiming for raising the overall education level and equalizing education opportunities. However, the efforts done by the China have been undermined by the rapid expansion of shadow education to some extent. Predominantly utilized by affluent families to boost their children's chances of entering prestigious universities, shadow education has shifted the competition for educational resources away from schools and into private tutoring, thereby exacerbating inequality. In response, the China has introduced various policies aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of shadow education on educational equity. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of these policies using the ecology of equity framework, focusing on the historical period before the measures that were introduced in 2021. The goal is to shed light on the effectiveness of past efforts and provide insights that can guide future development. The findings suggest that while regulations are necessary, policy interventions alone are insufficient to fundamentally alter the status quo in shadow education. A more holistic approach that addresses family, economic, and societal influences is required to achieve meaningful improvements in education equity.