China’s Urban Peasants: The Experience of Migrant Teachers and Education Inequality in China

• In Event: Nonhegemonic Communities and Educational Practice

Abstract

This study investigates the experience of migrant teachers under China’s market economy. It adopts a case study approach, employing literature review, document analysis, and in-depth interviews. The study reveals that despite China’s economic miracle, migrant teachers’ teaching and living conditions have not improved. They face heavy workload, are paid less, and live in poor housing conditions. Through an account of migrant teachers’ experience under China’s market economy, this study contextualizes the concept of globalization by examining its impact on China through forces of global capitalism. It also reveals a number of social injustice and inequality in education which requires the Chinese government to take immediate actions to reduce and eliminate it.

Authors

• Shibao Guo, University of Calgary

• Yan Guo, University of Calgary