The Historical and Contemporary Evolution of the "Uselessness of Education" Discourse in China

This research explores the pervasive discourse of "the uselessness of education" among ethnic minorities in China, emphasizing the unique challenges and social conditions that contribute to its prevalence. The study shows that this notion has gained widespread acceptance among minority students, who make up a large percentage of its supporters. The slower development of education in these regions may exacerbate the negative impact of this trend, it also will hinder educational progress. The research first explores the historical origins, manifestations, and underlying factors that have contributed to the rise of the "education is useless" mentality in China. Subsequently, it analyzes the specific conditions and challenges faced by the education systems in ethnic minority areas, exploring the factors contributing to the popularity of this ideology.