A study on the impact of the ‘Double Reduction’ policy on the parenting styles and anxiety levels of parents of Grade 5-6 students in Guangdong, China

Thesis

This research evaluates the double reduction policy impact on parenting styles and anxiety levels of parents of Grade 5-6 students in Guangdong, across different SES groups. The mixed method design is adopted, including thematic analysis, factor analysis and regression analysis. Among different levels, the city acts as an intermediating channel through which the policy impact differs across household characteristics. In tier 1 cities, due to the large education system and the legacy of shadow education, the competition for education resources remains fierce, so parents are more likely to feel anxious and will more commonly rely on intensive parenting, as a response. Outside the tier 1 cities, the double reduction policy has significantly relieved the competition in the education environment. After the external competition pressure is eased, parents are more inclined to return to their intrinsic parenting ideas, and the education anxiety is to some extent reduced.

Authors: Fan, Z

• Type of award: MSc taught course
• Level of award: Masters
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: survey; RDM; thematic analysis; double reduction; interviews; socioeconomic status; parents' anxiety; parenting styles; China; RDM2022; shadow education; educational policy; factor analysis
• Subjects: Questionnaires; Education; Schools, Chinese; Parenting; Interviews