| This paper explores the challenges posed by the intensive and competitive nature of the Gaokao for Chinese students. Despite governmental efforts to reform the education system and alleviate student pressure, regional education disparities still exist. Many Chinese families turn to internal migration as a pathway to access better educational resources. Drawing on interviews with 23 individuals from middle-class backgrounds, this study investigates disparities within the middle-class demographic. Findings reveal that privileged middle-class families have higher educational aspirations and invest more in education both before and post migration. Compared to privileged middle-class groups, middle-class families rely more on students’ individual efforts and show lower levels of parental involvement. Privileged middle-class students also perform better in school integration and have a greater demand for engaging in after-school cram schools. However, despite these differences within middle-class, all middle-class parents view education as paramount in shaping an individual’s life. These findings highlight the correlation between education and social class and suggest the need for further research into disparities within the middle-class demographic. |
