The legitimization of textbook reform: Strategies and challenges in China

This study employs textbooks and legitimacy theories to examine the complexity of legitimizing China's textbook reform, planned since 2012, for three ideologically-laden subjects (Chinese language, History, and Morality and Law). Specifically, it explores why, to whom, and how China's Ministry of Education legitimized this textbook reform, which conflicted with previous textbook policy and official knowledge but echoed changes of governance during President Xi Jinping's terms. These questions were answered with a documentary analysis drawing on public primary and secondary resources. The study argues that the textbook reform was more for political than educational purposes. Specifically, to justify these changes, the Ministry addressed concerns about textbook quality to gain public acceptance and showed political correctness to seek Xi's endorsement. However, the Ministry used coercion to subordinate the former to the latter when promoting and implementing new textbooks highlighting Xi's vision for and views on China's development. This suggests that displaying political loyalty and correctness trumps public accountability in China's governance and education.