Gaokao: A Fate-changing Contest or the Myth of Meritocracy

Abstract

This analytical paper examined the role of Gaokao, Chinas college entrance examination, in reproducing an unequal and oppressive status quo. Gaokao has received mounting criticism for requiring so much rote learning and discounting individual creativity. Though there is also heated debate on the fairness of this high-stake test, Gaokao is widely believed by many Chinese students and parents as the relatively fair approach for the nation to select talents. The research brings new insights into this topic by analyzing it with Pierre Bourdieus framework of types of capitals. It elucidates why Gaokao offers a false promise of a socially equalizing effect. Moreover, through the analysis made by this study, it gives awareness to society on how failure to realize the inequality in Gaokao will legitimates the process of social segregation and thus calls for exploring possible visions of better selection mechanisms. The paper begins by exploring the history of Gaokao and how Gaokao became the embodiment of a meritocratic ideal. Following this, this paper briefly discusses how Gaokao failed to promote an equitable education system as commonly believed. The last section highlights the harmful effects of the failure to realize the inequality and oppression inherent in Gaokao.