Faculty Introduction for “Inequality and Rural Discrimination: Causes of the Rural-Urban Literacy Gap for Children in China”

In Writing as Inquiry I (Spring 2020), Kuntian Chen was interested in exploring what causes the unequal literacy abilities children of migrant workers exhibit in large Chinese cities. In “Inequality and Rural Discrimination: Causes of the Rural-Urban Literacy Gap for Children in China,” Chen brings to our attention a few important issues: the struggle of migrant laborers’ children for literacy, and the bias against migrant workers who are often seen as irresponsible parents. Chen however does not accept these negative attitudes and popular accusations. Instead of blaming the migrant parents, Chen argues that we should pay more attention to the multi-faceted nature of inequality these migrant Chinese parents and their families face if a real change is to happen. “Inequality and Rural Discrimination” indeed explores an important issue that needs attention. Chen uses reliable sources to advance a clear argument. His work is informative and educational. I congratulate Kuntian Chen on this achievement. 

Read “Inequality and Rural Discrimination: Causes of the Rural-Urban Literacy Gap for Children in China“.

Adam Yaghi, Lecturer in the Writing Program