Navigating Educational Uncertainties: Middle-Class Parental Anxieties in China’s “Double Reduction” Era

This study examines the complex nature of educational anxiety among middle-class parents in contemporary China, particularly in the context of the “Double Reduction” policy. Through in-depth interviews with sixteen middle-class parents in Nanjing, our research explores how socio-economic changes, policy impacts, and parental responses interact to shape educational strategies and decision-making. Employing Giddens’ concepts of “ontological security” and reflexivity, the study has revealed that the “Double Reduction” policy has paradoxically intensified parental anxiety by disrupting established educational pathways. The findings highlight that parental educational anxiety is not merely a reaction to external pressures but is deeply intertwined with broader socio-cultural and emotional dimensions. Middle-class parents demonstrate significant reflexivity in their risk assessment and management strategies, often prioritizing their children’s overall well-being over strict adherence to policy guidelines. This study challenges reductionist views of parental anxiety, emphasizing the importance of emotional and moral considerations in educational decision-making. The study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of how middle-class parents navigate the complexities of their children’s education in a rapidly changing socio-economic landscape, offering insights for policymakers, educators, and parents alike.