Work dilemmas and job satisfaction of banzhurens (class teachers) in Chinese primary school—a case study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction Chinese primary school banzhurens (class teachers) undertake extensive responsibilities and express reluctance to continue in the role. This study provides a context-sensitive account of how banzhurens describe their everyday work dilemmas and how these experiences shape job satisfaction. Methods This qualitative case study drew on semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with seven primary-school banzhurens in G City, China. Findings and discussion Banzhurens bore an excessive workload and a wider job scope than subject specialist teachers. The overwhelming workload and job responsibilities caused burnout, which further harmed their job satisfaction. The participants did not describe self-efficacy as a positive contributor to their job satisfaction during their interviews. Other influences on banzhurens ’ job satisfaction that were recognized by the participants were stress, excessive non-teaching-related tasks, and insufficient reward, while student progress offered a primary sense of satisfaction in their work. Based on the findings, some potential solutions and strategies are proposed to enhance banzhurens ’ job satisfaction, professional development and wellbeing.
Source: Frontiers in Education
Authors: Ka Bai, Mun Yee Lai
Institution: University of Technology Sydney
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,353
OpenAlex ID: W7131820280