Equity issues in china's college entrance examination policy: The perspective of the province-based enrolment quota allocation policy

Equity is a complex issue that goes beyond the field of education. "For equity, it may be that while we cannot define what it is, we know when we are far from it" (Levin, 2003, p.5). Equity is also a controversial issue, subject to different political, economic and cultural circumstances. The notion of equity often involves diverse national contexts connected to specific historical and cultural origins. Even in the same national context, the notion of equity can be distinctively understood and interpreted in varying historical periods (Zhang, 2012a). Educational equity is an important element of social equity. It is also an important means of achieving social equity. Educational equity is becoming recognized as a social or political issue in many countries: Educational equity refers to an educational and learning environment in which individuals can consider options and make choices throughout their lives based on their abilities and talents, not on the basis of stereotypes, biased expectations or discrimination. The achievement of educational equity enables females and males of all races and ethnic backgrounds to develop skills needed to be productive, empowered citizens. It opens economic and social opportunities regardless of gender, ethnicity, race or social status (Opheim, 2004, p. 8 ).