Work

The transformation of neoliberalism: A critical analysis of shadow education governance policy in China

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Neoliberalism has given rise to specific conceptualizations of education aims and outcomes. Although whether China is a neoliberal state remains an open question, the Chinese government has embarked on an agenda that has brought neoliberal forces into almost all sectors including education. The “shadow education” industry is arguably the most pertinent example of neoliberal influence in education. This article approaches neoliberalism as a thought collective and a regime of governance applied to shadow education. We deploy it within cross-field effects derived from Bourdieu’s concept of field as our analytical framework to examine the origin and transformation of neoliberalism in China’s shadow education governance policy in historical and contemporary contexts against the global rise of neoliberalism. We analyze a series of burden reduction policies, including the most recent Double Reduction policy, as strategies of changing the governance of shadow education in the country. The findings of our analysis highlight ideological and operational confrontations between socialism and neoliberalism and the resulting transformation of the mode of governance of shadow education. The article will be of interest to educators and researchers working on shadow education, neoliberal education policy, and education policy reforms.

Source: International Journal of Educational Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijer.2024.102422

Authors: Lanting Wang, M. Obaidul Hamid

Institution: The University of Queensland

Language: English

Topic: Global Educational Reforms and Inequalities

Subfield: Demography

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,050