Government Policies and Education Inequality: An Analysis of Policy Effectiveness in Bridging the Educational Gap

Research Article
Open access

Government Policies and Education Inequality: An Analysis of Policy Effectiveness in Bridging the Educational Gap

Yujie Zhang 1*
  • 1 University of Wollongong    
  • *corresponding author ZHANGYUJIE199808@outlook.com
LNEP Vol.87
ISSN (Print): 2753-7056
ISSN (Online): 2753-7048
ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-083-2
ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-084-9

Abstract

Educational inequality remains a global issue, particularly in low-income communities, where limited resources, insufficient funding, and a shortage of qualified teachers severely impact students' learning opportunities. Government intervention plays a crucial role in addressing this challenge, yet the effectiveness of different policies varies depending on the socioeconomic context of each country or region. For example, Finland has successfully reduced educational disparities through an equitable funding distribution system and inclusive education policies. In contrast, many other countries continue to struggle with structural inequalities that hinder access to quality education. This study evaluates the impact of government policies in three key areas: education funding allocation, affirmative action initiatives, and digital education strategies, all of which aim to mitigate educational inequality. By conducting a comparative policy analysis, this research seeks to assess the effectiveness of these interventions in promoting educational equity. Additionally, it aims to provide insights and recommendations for future education reforms to create more inclusive and accessible learning opportunities for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

Keywords:

Educational Inequality, Government Policy, Affirmative Action, Digital Education

Zhang,Y. (2025). Government Policies and Education Inequality: An Analysis of Policy Effectiveness in Bridging the Educational Gap. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,87,46-51.
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References

[1]. Hanushek, E. A., & Woessmann, L. (2008). The role of cognitive skills in economic development. Journal of Economic Literature, 46(3), 607-668. https://doi.org/10.1257/jel.46.3.607

[2]. Al-Mahadin, S. (2023). General education requirements, the liberal arts and government intervention in higher education: A case from Jordan. On the Horizon: The International Journal of Learning Futures, 31(1), 71-78. https://doi.org/10.1108/OTH-07-2022-0038

[3]. Su, X. (2004). The allocation of public funds in a hierarchical educational system. Journal of Economic Dynamics & Control, 28(12), 2485-2510. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jedc.2004.01.003

[4]. Pelle, M., Patel, S., & Leung, B. (2016). Affirmative action and subgroup inequality in higher education: Adapting Indian policy solutions to the American context. Review of Black Political Economy, 43(3), 233–243. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12114-015-9227-0

[5]. Boatman, A., & Long, B. T. (2016). Does financial aid impact college student engagement? Evidence from the Gates Millennium Scholars Program. Research in Higher Education, 57(6), 653-681. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-015-9402-y

[6]. Lai, J., & Widmar, N. O. (2021). Revisiting the digital divide in the COVID-19 era. Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, 43(1), 458–464. https://doi.org/10.1002/aepp.13104

[7]. Adam, E. (2020). ‘Governments base performance-based funding on global rankings indicators’: A global trend in higher education finance or a global rankings literature fiction? A comparative analysis of four performance-based funding programs. International Journal of Educational Development, 76, 102197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2020.102197

[8]. Plummer, E. (2006). The effects of state funding on property tax rates and school construction. Economics of Education Review, 25(5), 532–542. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econedurev.2005.04.002

[9]. Wang, R. (2008). Reform of the rural compulsory education assured funding mechanism: Policy design perspective. Chinese Education & Society, 41(1), 9–16. https://doi.org/10.2753/CED1061-1932410101

[10]. Johnston-Guerrero, M. P., & Zhao, K. (2022). Is Affirmative Action interfering with the Chinese dream in America? Exploring WeChat users’ views on Affirmative Action in US college admissions. Race Ethnicity and Education, 25(7), 939-957. https://doi.org/10.1080/13613324.2020.1753678

[11]. Sabharwal, N. S. (2024). Understanding students’ attitudes towards affirmative action policy in higher education in India. Social Inclusion, 12, Article 7601. https://doi.org/10.17645/si.7601

[12]. Kussuda, C. (2016). The struggles of financial aid for higher education in Brazil. Educational Leadership and Societal Change, Special Issue 2016. Retrieved from http://nau.edu/COE/eJournal/

[13]. Singh, U., Venkatesh, J. D., Muraleedharan, A., Saluja, K. S., J H, A., & Biswas, P. (2024). Accessibility analysis of educational websites using WCAG 2.0. Digital Government: Research and Practice, 5(3), Article 32. https://doi.org/10.1145/3696318

[14]. Hussain, I. A., & Suma, J. T. (Eds.). (2023). Coronavirus Pandemic & Online Education: Impact on Developing Countries. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-6853-2

Cite this article

Zhang,Y. (2025). Government Policies and Education Inequality: An Analysis of Policy Effectiveness in Bridging the Educational Gap. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,87,46-51.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

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Volume title: Proceedings of ICEIPI 2025 Symposium: Reimagining Society: AI's Role in Cultural Transformation and Learning Environments

ISBN：978-1-80590-083-2(Print) / 978-1-80590-084-9(Online)
Editor：Kurt Buhring, Rick Arrowood
Conference website: https://2025.iceipi.org/Boston.html
Conference date: 25 June 2025
Series: Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media
Volume number: Vol.87
ISSN：2753-7048(Print) / 2753-7056(Online)

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References

[1]. Hanushek, E. A., & Woessmann, L. (2008). The role of cognitive skills in economic development. Journal of Economic Literature, 46(3), 607-668. https://doi.org/10.1257/jel.46.3.607

[2]. Al-Mahadin, S. (2023). General education requirements, the liberal arts and government intervention in higher education: A case from Jordan. On the Horizon: The International Journal of Learning Futures, 31(1), 71-78. https://doi.org/10.1108/OTH-07-2022-0038

[3]. Su, X. (2004). The allocation of public funds in a hierarchical educational system. Journal of Economic Dynamics & Control, 28(12), 2485-2510. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jedc.2004.01.003

[4]. Pelle, M., Patel, S., & Leung, B. (2016). Affirmative action and subgroup inequality in higher education: Adapting Indian policy solutions to the American context. Review of Black Political Economy, 43(3), 233–243. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12114-015-9227-0

[5]. Boatman, A., & Long, B. T. (2016). Does financial aid impact college student engagement? Evidence from the Gates Millennium Scholars Program. Research in Higher Education, 57(6), 653-681. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-015-9402-y

[6]. Lai, J., & Widmar, N. O. (2021). Revisiting the digital divide in the COVID-19 era. Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, 43(1), 458–464. https://doi.org/10.1002/aepp.13104

[7]. Adam, E. (2020). ‘Governments base performance-based funding on global rankings indicators’: A global trend in higher education finance or a global rankings literature fiction? A comparative analysis of four performance-based funding programs. International Journal of Educational Development, 76, 102197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2020.102197

[8]. Plummer, E. (2006). The effects of state funding on property tax rates and school construction. Economics of Education Review, 25(5), 532–542. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econedurev.2005.04.002

[9]. Wang, R. (2008). Reform of the rural compulsory education assured funding mechanism: Policy design perspective. Chinese Education & Society, 41(1), 9–16. https://doi.org/10.2753/CED1061-1932410101

[10]. Johnston-Guerrero, M. P., & Zhao, K. (2022). Is Affirmative Action interfering with the Chinese dream in America? Exploring WeChat users’ views on Affirmative Action in US college admissions. Race Ethnicity and Education, 25(7), 939-957. https://doi.org/10.1080/13613324.2020.1753678

[11]. Sabharwal, N. S. (2024). Understanding students’ attitudes towards affirmative action policy in higher education in India. Social Inclusion, 12, Article 7601. https://doi.org/10.17645/si.7601

[12]. Kussuda, C. (2016). The struggles of financial aid for higher education in Brazil. Educational Leadership and Societal Change, Special Issue 2016. Retrieved from http://nau.edu/COE/eJournal/

[13]. Singh, U., Venkatesh, J. D., Muraleedharan, A., Saluja, K. S., J H, A., & Biswas, P. (2024). Accessibility analysis of educational websites using WCAG 2.0. Digital Government: Research and Practice, 5(3), Article 32. https://doi.org/10.1145/3696318

[14]. Hussain, I. A., & Suma, J. T. (Eds.). (2023). Coronavirus Pandemic & Online Education: Impact on Developing Countries. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-6853-2

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