Analysis of the Reasons for Orphans' Low Enrollment in Liangshan Yi Ethnic Group, China

Abstract

This paper analyses reasons contributing to Yi orphans' low school enrollment in Liangshan, an ethnic minority area in mainland China. It reveals that Yi orphans' high uneducated rate is not solely a social problem but mostly a problem of ethnic minority education. Data was collected by means of field observation of household survey records and in-depth interviews. Findings suggest that, though reasons like the morbidity of current China's orphan protection system, poverty arisen from abominable natural surroundings, drug business, migrant worker problems and traditional culture do have something with Yi orphans' disadvantaged educational status, incompatible school education in the Liangshan Yi area should take the most blame.