The Evolution of Ethnic Preferential Policies in the 21st Century

Ethnic preferential policies for gaokao—the national college entrance examination—are important for students of ethnic minorities to be included in the tertiary education system in China. While these policies promote educational inclusiveness and guarantee the right to higher education for students of ethnic minority, evidence has indicated that these students are struggling to acquire equal higher education opportunities compared to their mainstream counterparts. Referring to Bourdieu's concept of cultural capital, this chapter contributes a new perspective to the existing discussion of ethnic preferential policies. The chapter examines Chinese ethnic preferential policies and relevant supporting policies in this century. It identifies the evolution of these policies, indicating the developmental trend and arguing that the inclusiveness of ethnic minority students should comprise more than adjusting the admission score. Instead, a more comprehensive approach should be taken to acknowledge and legitimise the existing cultural capital of ethnic minority students.