How does cultural capital influence the school choice of rural and urban migrant families in Nanjing, China? Evidence from a survey study

Authors

  • Liuning Yang PhD student

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47381/aijre.v32i3.333

Keywords:

rural–urban migration, school choice, educational equity, cultural capital, education policy

Abstract

Across China, the household registration (hukou) policy has restricted the school admission of rural–urban migrant children in urban areas. In 2017, the Nanjing government issued the Tenants Have the Same Right as Householders (THSRH) policy to allow tenants in urban areas access to public-school resources. However, what the migrant children have experienced in and after negotiating access to these schools deserves serious attention from educators, scholars and policymakers. This study surveyed 186 rural–urban migrant parents in Nanjing who chose to send their children to junior secondary schools after the implementation of the THSRH policy. The study identified that higher socioeconomic and household status of rural–urban migrants increased their choices for junior secondary schools. However, the study demonstrated that the restriction in the hukou policy is still a dominant factor influencing public-school access. The study highlighted that the interaction of the development of extracurricular abilities and investment in private supplementary tutoring are two main factors that influence the school choices of rural–urban migrant families.

Author Biography

Liuning Yang, PhD student

Liuning is currently a PhD candidate in the School of Learning, Development and Professional Practice, Faculty of Education and Social Work at the University of Auckland. His supervisors are Dr Jo Smith and Dr Frauke Meyer. Before starting his PhD, he received his Bachelor's degree in History (secondary school teaching) in China, and then got a master's degree in education studies from Monash University, Australia. Liuning currently works as a Group Service Administrator of EDSW, and Student Support role for Graduate Diploma of Teaching program. He also undertakes a range of research and technical assisting work for the Faculty of Education and Social Work.

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Published

18-11-2022

How to Cite

Yang, L. (2022). How does cultural capital influence the school choice of rural and urban migrant families in Nanjing, China? Evidence from a survey study. Australian and International Journal of Rural Education, 32(3), 90–105. https://doi.org/10.47381/aijre.v32i3.333