Sociology of Education in China in the New Era: Review and Prospects (2012-2022)

Overview & Synopsis

Purpose: This study provides an overview of the changes and developments of the sociology of education in China as it enters the new era as well as its future outlook. Design/Approach/Methods: This study combed and analyzed research in the field of the sociology of education in China during the period from 2012 to 2022 on three issues--educational fairness, rural education, and educational reform--to clarify the field's research characteristics and trends. Findings: In the new era, scholarship on the sociology of education has shifted to focus on achieving high-quality education, modernization, and digitization as new avenues for promoting educational fairness, rural education, and educational reform. As a result, research on the sociology of education in China has employed broader perspectives, adopted a more reflexive approach toward research objects, and embraced more humanistic values. Originality/Value: This study compiles research on the sociology of education in China in the new era and identifies that the field is moving toward a highly integrative approach. The findings provide useful references for learning and understanding the sociology of education in China.