Jian Liu

Abstract: This study extends the theoretical perspectives in policy studies on the issue of educational equality by analyzing the influence of cultural values on policies and policy processes. The present paper first teases out the key cultural values regarding education and equality, and then explores how these values shape the institution and policy making in the Chinese context. The policies of expansion, reform in governance and finance, differentiation of provision, and their consequences on equality in Chinese higher education are examined through the lens of culture. The context of close family bonds and strong commitment to education in the Chinese society has bolstered the policies of cost-sharing, privatization and concentrating resources in selected universities. Confucian bureaucracy and hierarchy shaped the strong state and top-down policy process; collectivism and elitism coupled with utilitarianism legitimized the paramount goal of development and strengthened the hierarchy of the higher education system; meritocratic tradition mediated the public demands and state’s policies on provision, and buffered the debates about inequality. The idea of minben (people are essence of a nation) in Chinese tradition served as a counter force to balance the pursuit of development and equality.

Key words: Policy; Cultural values; Equality; Higher education; China; Expansion Access

总结：1、本文从理论的视角通过分析政策文化价值和政策进程的影响阐述教育平等的问题。

2、本文首先指出关于教育平等和文化价值观的关键，然后探究在中国这个大背景下，这些价值观塑造的机构和制定的政策。

3、本研究旨在唤醒隐藏的文化意识，文化意识应该列入政策研究的范围之内。基于该文章的分析，文化视角对于理解中国高等教育政策进程和政治是至关重要的。

来源：Higher Education. Nov2012

Vol. 64 Issue 5, p647-660. 14p. 1 Graph. DOI: 10.1007/s10734-012-9517-4.