Hidden Inequality: A Case Study of a Chinese Working-Class Couple’s Education Opportunities

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Abstract

This case study interpreted the education opportunities of a working-class couple focused on the agent(s) of education opportunities(X), the goals toward which education opportunities were directed(Y), and the obstacles between the agent(s) and the goals. We drew on the notion of “equality” from critical and sociocultural theories in analyzing how they perceived their education opportunities, and how their perception influenced the practice when they were in school. Our findings outline they did not get equal education opportunities due to the insurmountable obstacles: the place where they were born and their parents’ educational degree; and surmountable obstacle: the education resource, such as the school facilities, and the quality of teachers.

Authors

• Wenjing Ma, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology

• 存鑫 毋, Beijing Normal University