Complexities in the Evolving Right to Education: How Does Private Supplementary Tutoring Fit?
Abstract
Recent decades have brought substantial expansion of private supplementary tutoring (widely known as shadow education).Initially with particular prominence in East Asia, it is now a global phenomenon across countries of all income groups.Social inequalities arise from the inability of low-income households to secure the quantities and qualities of tutoring available to middle-and high-income households.A few governments, concerned about social inequalities and other factors, have tried to suppress private tutoring.However, it is arguable that families have the right to invest in such tutoring.The expansion and implications of private tutoring need stronger consideration from this perspective, with awareness of complexities.To some extent developments are an unintended consequence of well-meaning efforts to promote social equality and human rights.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Global Educational Reforms and Inequalities
School Choice and Performance
Global Educational Policies and Reforms
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Educational Studies in Japan
- Publisher
- Japanese Educational Research Association
- Volume
- 20
- Issue
- 0
- Pages
- 5–20
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN