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Negotiating alternativity within boundaries: legitimacy and the dilemmas of Innovative schools in contemporary China.

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Title: Negotiating alternativity within boundaries: legitimacy and the dilemmas of Innovative schools in contemporary China.
Authors: Xu, Wanru1 (AUTHOR) wendyxu9193@outlook.com, Spruyt, Bram1 (AUTHOR)
Source: Frontiers in Education. 2026, p1-10. 10p.
Subject Terms: *Alternative schools, *Qualitative research, *Education policy, *Alternative education, Institutional theory (Sociology), Legitimacy of governments
Geographic Terms: China
Abstract: Introduction: This paper examines how a specific type of alternative education in China—Innovative schools—negotiates its legitimacy within a particular social and political context. Methods: Drawing on neo-institutional theory, we conducted a qualitative thematic analysis of the promotional materials of five Innovative schools. Findings: Our analysis shows that these schools discursively negotiate their legitimacy by managing their relationships with three key audiences: mainstream education, prospective families, and state authorities. Specifically, legitimacy is constructed through calibrated differentiation: appearing superior but not deviant, inclusive in rhetoric yet selective in access, and grassroots in origin while aligned with national narratives. Discussion: These findings highlight how "alternativity" is negotiated under constrained institutional and political conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Education Research Complete
Description
Abstract:Introduction: This paper examines how a specific type of alternative education in China—Innovative schools—negotiates its legitimacy within a particular social and political context. Methods: Drawing on neo-institutional theory, we conducted a qualitative thematic analysis of the promotional materials of five Innovative schools. Findings: Our analysis shows that these schools discursively negotiate their legitimacy by managing their relationships with three key audiences: mainstream education, prospective families, and state authorities. Specifically, legitimacy is constructed through calibrated differentiation: appearing superior but not deviant, inclusive in rhetoric yet selective in access, and grassroots in origin while aligned with national narratives. Discussion: These findings highlight how "alternativity" is negotiated under constrained institutional and political conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:2504284X
DOI:10.3389/feduc.2026.1488871