Work

Negotiating alternativity within boundaries: legitimacy and the dilemmas of Innovative schools in contemporary China

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction This paper examines how a specific type of alternative education in China—Innovative schools—negotiates its legitimacy within a particular social and political context. Methods Drawing on neo-institutional theory, we conducted a qualitative thematic analysis of the promotional materials of five Innovative schools. Findings Our analysis shows that these schools discursively negotiate their legitimacy by managing their relationships with three key audiences: mainstream education, prospective families, and state authorities. Specifically, legitimacy is constructed through calibrated differentiation: appearing superior but not deviant, inclusive in rhetoric yet selective in access, and grassroots in origin while aligned with national narratives. Discussion These findings highlight how “alternativity” is negotiated under constrained institutional and political conditions.

Source: Frontiers in Education

DOI: 10.3389/feduc.2026.1488871

Authors: Wanru Xu, Bram Spruyt

Institution: Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Language: English

Topic: Diverse Education Studies and Reforms

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

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

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,353