How has double reduction policy changed the education strategies and experiences of parents of migrant children in Zhangbei county: a case study in an underdeveloped area of China

Thesis

This study investigates the impact of China’s “Double Reduction Policy” (DRP) on the educational strategies and experiences of parents of migrant children in Zhangbei County, a town in an underdeveloped area in China. Implemented in 2021, DRP endeavours to alleviate academic pressures and redirect the focus of education towards a more holistic and well-rounded development of students. Through a qualitative case study approach, this research explores how the DRP has influenced parental engagement in their children's education, focusing on three dimensions: home-based involvement, school-based involvement, and academic socialization.

The study’s findings reveal multifaceted parental responses to the DRP. There is an evident shift towards valuing comprehensive development, proved by the increased emphasis on health, personal interests, and a love for learning. Following this shift, parents employ diverse strategies, including encouraging children to do sports, contact nature, use online resources to develop hobbies, take study tours, and read books. However, the persistence of the cultural significance of academic achievement and high-stakes testing continues to shape parental strategies. For instance, parents maintain expectations and inspirations for children’s academic achievement, so they would actively provide extra-curricular practices.

Between the two groups of interviewees, there are considerable differences. The housewives, constrained by financial limitations and lower educational backgrounds, maintain a more traditional academic focus. In contrast, vocational teacher parents demonstrate greater openness to alternative educational pathways, such as vocational education, and employ innovative methods like study tours to nurture diverse interests and skills in their children.

This research contributes to the existing literature by offering insights into the dynamics of educational strategy adaptation under a new policy among migrant parents in underdeveloped areas, a perspective overlooked in previous research.

The implications underscore the necessity for targeted support mechanisms to empower parents, advocate a deep reflection on the stratification of higher education, and highlight the potential of vocational education as a viable and valued pathway.

Authors: Zhang, S

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-kopzbwvjn
• Type of award: MSc taught course
• Level of award: Masters
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: semi-structure interview; parental involvement in education; CDE; double reduction policy; case study; CDE2024; migrant parents; educational strategies
• Subjects: Interviews; Education and state; Case studies; Learning strategies; Parenting--Study and teaching; Immigrants; Parent and child; Education