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The Development of Private Universities in Socialist China

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Abstract

The emergence of private higher education (PHE) in China has resulted from the increasing demand from the public for higher education, and the requirements of private businesses in the socialist market economy. This paper examines the development of the PHE in China since 1949, and in particular the commencement of the Opening-up and Reform Policy for the period 1978–2018. Drawing from national documents and transcripts of interviews with senior managers, the paper explores the challenges PHE currently faces and the policies which have addressed the challenges especially in the last 10 years. It is suggested to improve the role of the university constitution in governance practices of the university.

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Acknowledgements

Thanks for the constructive comments from reviewers and editor to improve the paper. This study is funded by Chinese National Social Science Fund [Grant Number CIA140189].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China

    Xu Liu

  2. Institute of Education, University College London, Bloomsbury, London, UK

    Xu Liu

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Correspondence to Xu Liu.

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Liu, X. The Development of Private Universities in Socialist China. High Educ Policy 33, 1–19 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41307-018-0114-8

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