An Analysis of the Dilemma, Reasons, and Path of Social Recognition of Vocational Education in China

Abstract

Despite the introduction of a new law on vocational education and the improvement of the vocational education system, there are still problems, such as low social acceptance of vocational education and social stereotypes of vocational education, which not only affect the implementation of vocational education policies but also the enrolment of vocational education and the employment of vocational education graduates. This paper analyses the causes of the phenomenon from the school, social, parent, and student levels. It puts forward the following suggestions to improve the phenomenon and enhance the public’s acceptance of vocational education: firstly, focus on the implementation of the policy in all aspects; secondly, improve the talent cultivation system; and thirdly, provide diversified employment opportunities to enhance the stereotypes. Through Dewey’s theory of vocational education and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, we start with students’ most basic psychological needs and then take measures to improve the social recognition of vocational education.