On March 7, 2025, the Shadow Education Special Interest Group (SIG) hosted an insightful online talk titled “Different Contexts, Similar Mindsets? Comparing Parental Decision-Making in Private Tutoring in Hong Kong and the Czech Republic.” The session featured Dr. Nutsa Kobakhidze (The University of Hong Kong) and Dr. Vít Šťastný (Charles University), who shared findings from their comparative study on parental perspectives in shadow education.

Drawing from interviews with 145 parents across both regions, the speakers examined key influences shaping parental choices, including emotions, cognitive biases, and “bounded rationality.” Despite geographical and cultural differences, the study highlighted striking similarities, particularly in the role of child agency—parents in both contexts actively involved their children in tutoring decisions.

Beyond cultural factors, the discussion explored how social class, global parenting norms, and social media contribute to shaping parental mindsets. The speakers emphasized the need for further research on these global influences and their evolving impact in an increasingly interconnected world.

In addition to the seminar, Dr. Kobakhidze and Dr. Šťastný introduced the Shadow Education Resource Center, a newly developed database and bibliography dedicated to research on shadow education.

The Shadow Education SIG continues to provide a platform for scholars to engage in critical discussions on private tutoring and its implications worldwide. Stay tuned for our upcoming events!