Date of Award

2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Hernandez, Sarah

Keywords

China, Educational Inequality, Development

Area of Concentration

International and Area Studies

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the possible causes and consequences of differential educational outcomes in rural China. I offer a brief comparative analysis of schooling in the rural eastern region with that of the rural inland regions to show how differences in educational outcomes are reflected in approach and quality among schools situated in rural and underdeveloped localities. Specifically, I seek to explore to what extent geography, socioeconomic status, health indicators, and rural youth's perceived benefit and value of schooling help explain educational attainment rates in rural primary and secondary schools. I address this question by examining differences in educational funding and resource utilization, quality of school facilities, per-capita rural expenditures educational attainment of the rural labor force, and the availability of health facilities across regions and for the nation as a whole. My analysis highlights the striking differences that exist in both access to and quality of schooling between different populations in China. Educational inequality is a persistent problem in China. The educational experiences and outcomes of rural students are hindered by a host of economic, political, and social forces, which leave them at a clear disadvantage. Expanding and equalizing educational outcomes is not only imperative for China's future development, but also a moral obligation. Chinese policymakers must provide a good quality education for all its citizens in order ensure a decent living.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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