Shadow Education in China: An Analytical Discussion from a Supply and Demand Perspective

Abstract

Nowadays, private tutoring, also called shadow education, is received by students worldwide, and this behavior is particularly common in China. Students and tutors can satisfy their own needs simultaneously in this process. However, this practice also brings problems as the industry grows steadily. Previous scholars mainly focus on data results and policies to improve when researching this topic; nonetheless, the economic factors and effects are equally important. The current paper investigates the factors shaping the demand and supply of shadow education in China. Our finding suggests the demand of the public and suppliers’ willingness to provide an evolvable market environment for private tutoring. Some inefficiencies and financial problems are also discussed. Combining the technological change that shaped this industry, future studies could emphasize the supply side and the interaction within the shadow education market.