The transformation of neoliberalism: A critical analysis of shadow education governance policy in China

Abstract

Neoliberalism has given rise to specific conceptualizations of education aims and outcomes. Although whether China is a neoliberal state remains an open question, the Chinese government has embarked on an agenda that has brought neoliberal forces into almost all sectors including education. The “shadow education” industry is arguably the most pertinent example of neoliberal influence in education. This article approaches neoliberalism as a thought collective and a regime of governance applied to shadow education. We deploy it within cross-field effects derived from Bourdieu’s concept of field as our analytical framework to examine the origin and transformation of neoliberalism in China’s shadow education governance policy in historical and contemporary contexts against the global rise of neoliberalism. We analyze a series of burden reduction policies, including the most recent Double Reduction policy, as strategies of changing the governance of shadow education in the country. The findings of our analysis highlight ideological and operational confrontations between socialism and neoliberalism and the resulting transformation of the mode of governance of shadow education. The article will be of interest to educators and researchers working on shadow education, neoliberal education policy, and education policy reforms.

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