The Politics of Financing Education in China

China's education, as its economy and society, is in a period of transition. Since the foundation of the People's Republic, education has undergone significant changes and education policy has shifted gears from being mainly politically-oriented to modernizing the country. However, unevenly financed compulsory education creates disparities in per student spending, especially in disadvantaged, rural areas. In the first political discussion of intra-provincial Chinese education policy, Tingjin Lin explores the inequalities of education in China. Looking at both education policy and personnel policy, the author also shows that educators and provincial leaders are often torn between self-interest and implementing reforms and equal opportunities which may impede the progress of their own careers.