Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Advanced Research in Education
Year: 2024
DOI:
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From the Horizon Era to the Vertical Era: The Political and Institutional Logic Behind China’s Mandatory General Vocational Separation to Common Policy
Sibo Lu
ABSTRACT:
Despite the Chinese government’s stated emphasis on “Vocational Education,” the transition from general high schools to vocational high schools has faced significant societal resistance and has not achieved the anticipated outcomes ironically. This paper employs a genealogical approach to explore the institutional logic underlying the policy of ‘general and vocational streaming’ in China. It critically examines the prevailing inequalities in the educational system and the associated challenges. The analysis traces the evolution of educational policies from the ‘horizontal era’ to a ‘vertical era,’ highlighting how education has been transformed into a biopolitical tool of the government. This shift illustrates how the state uses educational strategies not only to shape societal structure but also to reinforce policies aimed at maintaining stability of its authorities’ roles. Through this exploration, the paper aims to unpack the complexities of the policy’s implementation and its implications for the future of educational equality and development in China.
keywords: Vocational Education, Policy Evolution, Educational Stratification, Inequality, Biopolitical, Genealogical Approach, Political economy