The complexity of the student counselor system in China’s higher education: A case study on restrictions and possible flexibility in ideological education

Student counselors in Chinese higher education serve as conduits for providing political guidance and indoctrinating students with socialist values. Their primary role is to administer citizenship education as a means of political socialization, encompassing both ideological and organizational aspects. This article examines this phenomenon within the context of a specific university’s historical trajectory, drawing upon qualitative data to present a nuanced understanding of its complexities. Through this case study, the article sheds light on various approaches to citizenship education and offers valuable insights into the landscape of Chinese higher education amidst globalization. It reveals the coexistence of constraints and flexibility in ideological education within this context, shaped by the intricate interactions between student counselors and students. These dynamics are driven by the imperative of stability maintenance mandated by both the state and the university. The pragmatic approaches adopted by student counselors in their daily work serve as means to facilitate its implementation.