ERIC Number: ED145006
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1977-Apr
Pages: 26
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Early Education in China and Its Implications in the United States.
Chan, Itty
This paper suggests that the philosophy and practical approach to child rearing in a given society reflect and perpetuate the values of that society. In China, until the mid-19th century, the socialization process was geared to producing young people for a male-dominated, class-oriented society. As the feudal system crumbled. more "modern" socialization methods and concepts were adopted from the West and Japan. Current childhood education practice reflects the philosophy of post-Revolutionary China. Basic features are: the assumption that people are infinitely educable; stress on the centuries-old value of "we the large family"; training for self discipline and responsibility; and a new emphasis on theory and practice, respect for productive work, and learning from real life experiences. In China today children are viewed as an integral part of society. Consequently, early childhood education places great importance upon social and shared responsibility. In this context, the Chinese view individual variation as a social strength. The author draws contrasts between Chinese and American perspectives of childhood socialization, demonstrates how our values reflect our history as a highly competitive, individualistic society, and expresses hope that we can make our society and education less self oriented. A 63 item reading list is provided. (Author/GC)
Descriptors: Early Childhood Education, History, Preschool Children, Social Behavior, Social Development, Social Influences, Social Reinforcement, Social Responsibility, Social Values, Socialization
Asian American Bilingual Center 2168 Shattuck Ave., 3rd Floor Berkeley, Calif. 94704
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: N/A
Sponsor: Office of Education (DHEW), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: Berkeley Unified School District, CA. Asian American Bilingual Center.
Identifiers - Location: China
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A