A multiple‐perspective approach to policy analysis and its application to college entrance policy in the People's Republic of China

Abstract

This paper inquires into China's college entrance policy by employing different frameworks for policy analysis, i.e. rational, organizational process, political, symbolic and normative perspectives. The analyses focus on the following questions: How should we interpret the pendulum pattern of the development of China's college entrance policy? What are the purposes reflected in moderates’ and radicals’ college entrance policies? How do they justify and implement their policies? Whose interests are served? What are the normative values embedded in their policies? This paper develops a deep and highly textured picture of China's college entrance policy. Advantages of a multiple‐perspective approach and some crucial issues of China's college entrance policy are discussed.