Ethnic Minority Identity and Educational Outcomes in a Rising China

Abstract

With an ethnic minority population of over 100 million, China uses a variety of preferential treatment policies in education to maintain national unity. However, ethnic pluralism has become more salient as market forces lead to increased interethnic contact and competition for jobs. Despite the national education campaign to build a harmonious society, Chinese ethnicity is at a critical crossroad. This article reviews policies meant to improve educational opportunities for ethnic minorities. While they have been successful in reducing inequalities by raising the numbers of minorities attending school and university, most ethnic minority groups still have lower rates of access and educational achievement.