In China, from socialism to the market economy, despite the significant impact of reform and opening up on higher education, the bottom-up transformation initiated by individuals has in turn shaped the reform-era society. With both macro- and micro-level analysis, this study discusses the reform from the lens of higher education majors, as well as how it brought about new patterns of status attainment and inequality. Utilising data derived from yearbooks, CFPS (China Family Panel Studies), and CHIP (China Household Income Project), this research examines the historical trends in the setting of majors and individuals’ choices, as well as how the transition and education policies influenced inequality. Filling the gap in the understanding of higher education majors, this study provides insights for assessing the transition in the higher education system and its impact on shaping China’s social structure. It argues that while Chinese higher education has consistently largely served and responded to the country’s needs, the emphasis has changed at different stages. In addition, the deepening of reform has stimulated the decentralization of majors and changes in student choices. By uncovering the ongoing process and potential challenges of reform and opening up, this study aims to contribute to the inconsistent literature about education inequality in transforming China and to bridge the research gap of the oversight of higher education majors.

Authors:
Yuqi Zhang, University College London, United Kingdom

About the Presenter(s)
Yuqi Zhang is a Ph.D. candidate in educational economics at University College London, United Kingdom.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuqi-zhang-35665510a

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