Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the decline of humanities education in China, particularly in high schools, due to changes in examination policies and societal preferences for science and engineering fields, leading to a significant reduction in the number of students choosing humanities subjects and a surplus of humanities teachers [2][7][33]. Group 1: Changes in Education Policy - The new "3+1+2" examination model in Yunnan province has led to a decrease in the number of students selecting humanities subjects, particularly history, as students opt for subjects perceived to offer better career prospects [6][17]. - In 2024, the number of science students in Yunnan was approximately 195,000, while humanities students numbered around 160,000, with a significant disparity in the number of students qualifying for top universities [6][7]. - The trend of declining humanities enrollment is not isolated to China; globally, there has been a 17% decrease in humanities enrollment in the past decade in the U.S., with similar trends observed in other countries [7][8]. Group 2: Impact on Humanities Teachers - Many humanities teachers, such as history teachers, are facing reduced teaching hours and job insecurity due to the declining number of students choosing these subjects [3][4][9]. - In Yunnan, the number of history classes has drastically decreased, with some schools having only one history class per grade, leading to a surplus of history teachers [9][10]. - Teachers like Xia Yu express feelings of inadequacy and fear of job loss, despite having job security, due to the lack of teaching hours and student engagement [4][5][10]. Group 3: Societal Attitudes Towards Humanities - There is a growing perception among parents and students that humanities subjects are less valuable compared to science subjects, leading to a stigma around choosing humanities [15][20]. - Many students who are interested in humanities feel pressured to choose science subjects due to parental expectations and perceived job market advantages [20][28]. - The article highlights a shift in student attitudes, where even previously less academically inclined students are now opting for science subjects, further marginalizing humanities [19][20]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The article suggests that the current trend of declining humanities education may continue, with potential long-term implications for the teaching profession and the value placed on humanities in society [33]. - Teachers express hope for a future adjustment in educational policies that may restore balance between humanities and sciences, recognizing the need for both fields in society [33].

Core Points - The decline of liberal arts education is leading to a significant reduction in the number of students choosing humanities subjects in high schools, resulting in fewer liberal arts classes and teachers being underutilized [1][2][13] - The new college entrance examination system in China, particularly the "3+1+2" model, has made it more challenging for students to pursue liberal arts, further exacerbating the decline in humanities enrollment [6][11][35] - The global trend of declining enrollment in humanities disciplines is reflected in various countries, including the U.S., where humanities enrollment has decreased by 17% over the past decade [8][9] Group 1 - The new examination model has led to a significant disparity in the number of students choosing science over humanities, with a notable difference in the number of students qualifying for top universities [7][10][35] - The reduction in liberal arts programs at universities, such as Fudan University cutting humanities enrollment by nearly half, indicates a broader trend towards prioritizing STEM fields [10][12] - The perception of liberal arts as less valuable in terms of career prospects is influencing students and parents to favor science subjects, leading to a further decline in humanities enrollment [29][30][39] Group 2 - Teachers of humanities subjects, particularly history, are facing job insecurity and reduced teaching hours, with many experiencing a significant drop in class assignments [3][20][66] - The oversupply of history teachers is evident, with many teachers being reassigned to administrative roles due to a lack of classes to teach [15][19][72] - The changing educational landscape is causing anxiety among humanities teachers regarding their future job stability and career advancement opportunities [70][71][66]