The Impact of Financial Investment in Compulsory Education on Regional Educational Equity: A Case Study of Beijing

Abstract

Balanced education is a core goal of compulsory education and also a component of the national strategy. To promote the balanced development of compulsory education in Beijing from a financial perspective and provide a reference for other domestic cities, this article analyzes the financial reasons for the regional imbalance in Beijing's compulsory education. The analysis concludes that between urban and suburban areas, the finance input system dominated by districts and counties further amplifies economic disparities, resulting in the concentration of educational resources in developed urban areas. Within urban areas, the differences in district-level expenditure structures also play a role. Districts that prioritize educational reform and innovation, as well as teacher incentives and compensation, fare better, and weaker districts adjusting their education financial structure based on their financial capacity help improve compulsory education levels. Based on this, the article proposes the following recommendations: The municipal government should increase its educational financial responsibilities and provide subsidies to economically lagging areas. Each district and county should optimize their financial investment structure, with financially weak districts increasing their project expenditure proportion, focusing on investments in teachers, educational reform, and innovation, and improving their own weak areas.