Choosing the Right Track—How Middle-Class Parents Navigate the Changes Under China’s “Double Reduction” Policy

In 2021, the Chinese government introduced the “Double Reduction” policy to reduce the burden of private tutoring on families. This study examines how Chinese parents respond to these changes, focusing on a WeChat group of predominantly middle-class parents. Using Bourdieu’s theories, the study reveals that, despite the policy’s goal of promoting a more equitable and less stressful educational system, parents continue to take intentional steps to secure a competitive edge for their children. The findings identify three primary strategies: leveraging information gaps to gain an advantage, staying ahead of the curve when other parents are assumed to invest less in academics, and delaying competition to avoid early pressure. Through these strategies, parents adapt to new forms of capital conversion and accumulation and refigure the education field to maintain their social standing. However, these efforts contribute to ongoing anxiety and stress. The study suggests that a broader definition of success is needed—one that goes beyond a narrow focus on academic achievement and competitive learning. Such a perspective would better align with the policy’s goals, promoting a more balanced approach that supports both children’s well-being and long-term family goals.