Introduction

Much of the existing research on parental involvement and higher education choice examines the difference between the working class and the middle class, but little literature looks at different factions within the social classes. This book discusses higher education choice in China, particularly through the examination of social issues such as social stratification, parental involvement, and gender and educational inequality.

Drawing from an empirical study based on Bourdieu’s theory, the book explores both inter-class and intra-class differences in China, providing an insight into how social class differences influence a number of issues, including:

Key Issues Explored

• educational equality
• the role parents, especially mothers, play in higher education decision-making
• the relationship between traditional cultural norms
• gendered relationships within Chinese families

The sociology of higher education choices are derived through feedback from various sources, including both parents and students themselves. The book will be key reading for postgraduates and researchers in the fields of sociology, sociology of education, Chinese studies and Asian studies.