What makes care-experienced young people 'survivors' in education: evidence from China.
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| Title: | What makes care-experienced young people 'survivors' in education: evidence from China. |
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| Authors: | Yin, Shian (AUTHOR), Zeng, Zhaomu (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Oxford Review of Education. Jun2026, Vol. 52 Issue 3, p297-314. 18p. |
| Subjects: | Higher education, Foster children, Student activities, Agent (Philosophy), Psychological resilience, Academic achievement, Mentoring |
| Geographic Terms: | China |
| Abstract: | Globally, there are significant concerns regarding the educational disadvantages faced by young people with care experience. Despite these challenges, some individuals, referred to as 'survivors', successfully progress to higher education. However, existing research predominantly focuses on the barriers and difficulties they encounter, with insufficient attention given to the factors contributing to their success, particularly within the context of China. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the factors that facilitate educational success among care-experienced young people in China, specifically those who have pursued or achieved higher education. Drawing on biographical interview data (n = 18) from a completed PhD project and subsequent thematic analysis, the research identifies key elements that have supported their sustained educational engagement. These factors include a strong belief in the transformative power of education, resilience in overcoming challenges, the critical role of supportive relationships, positive school experiences, and active participation in extracurricular activities. The study acknowledges limitations related to sample size, regional focus, data handling – such as transcription and translation – and potential recall bias. Nonetheless, this research contributes to the broader discourse on human agency in education and the literature on out-of-home care, with practical implications extending beyond the Chinese context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Oxford Review of Education is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Globally, there are significant concerns regarding the educational disadvantages faced by young people with care experience. Despite these challenges, some individuals, referred to as 'survivors', successfully progress to higher education. However, existing research predominantly focuses on the barriers and difficulties they encounter, with insufficient attention given to the factors contributing to their success, particularly within the context of China. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the factors that facilitate educational success among care-experienced young people in China, specifically those who have pursued or achieved higher education. Drawing on biographical interview data (n = 18) from a completed PhD project and subsequent thematic analysis, the research identifies key elements that have supported their sustained educational engagement. These factors include a strong belief in the transformative power of education, resilience in overcoming challenges, the critical role of supportive relationships, positive school experiences, and active participation in extracurricular activities. The study acknowledges limitations related to sample size, regional focus, data handling – such as transcription and translation – and potential recall bias. Nonetheless, this research contributes to the broader discourse on human agency in education and the literature on out-of-home care, with practical implications extending beyond the Chinese context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 03054985 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/03054985.2025.2452455 |
