The Current Status, Causes and Optimization Pathway of Urban-Rural Educational Opportunity Disparity in China

Abstract

This paper focuses on the significant differences between urban and rural higher education opportunities in China. The background reveals that the gap of higher education opportunities between urban and rural areas has a direct impact on educational equity and social progress, especially in the context of the significant unequal distribution of urban and rural economic and educational resources, which urgently needs to be properly addressed. The research reveals that there are significant differences in higher education opportunities between urban and rural areas. From 2005 to 2013, the admission rate of college entrance examination in urban areas was higher than that in rural areas, and the gap showed a fluctuating trend. From 2011 to 2013, the proportion of rural students in Peking University and Tsinghua University was low and the stability was poor. In terms of resource distribution, from 2000 to 2010, the proportion of agricultural registered high school students declined continuously. The root causes of differences involve three aspects: economy, educational resources and social culture. These differences limit personal development and affect career choice, income and social status. It negatively impacts social equity, exacerbates discontent, divides society, and impedes social mobility. It poses a challenge to the national talent pool and limits innovation and development. In order to solve this problem, the following optimization strategies should be adopted: to improve the rural education level, attract excellent teachers and increase the investment in education resources; Promote educational innovation, realize the fair distribution of educational resources and optimize the college entrance examination system; Strengthen family education guidance, enhance parents' awareness and improve education effectiveness.