The Functions of Shadow Education in China: An Exploration beyond Mainstream Education

Abstract

Private tutoring, also known as shadow education, is an increasingly evident system in a wide range of social environment. Previous scholars have regarded it as a derivative from mainstream education designed to enhance students academic performance and as an institution creating social inequality. Although the researches on the new area have increased and been valued, this area is still in its infancy, especially at the level of geographic coverage. Therefore, the paper exams the status quo of shadow education in China where few relevant studies have been conducted, mainly discussing the positive functions of emerging private tutoring which includes upward mobility and division of labor. The author further contends that the negative implications are not simply caused by shadow education, but are still embedded in the competitive education system dominated by high-stake examinations and lacking personal service.