Education in China
Philosophy, Politics and Culture
China Today

1. Edition March 2019
208 Pages, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
Short Description
Throughout its history, education in China has played a pivotal role in the nation's governance, civic society, and the social and cultural lives of its citizens. Today we see a nation grappling with how to modernize and internationalize its education system, while still retaining China's intellectual traditions and values in the face of growing educational inequalities.
This book analyses the historical and contemporary place of education in China and how the past has influenced today's trends. Recent fundamental educational reforms have been driven by the need for continuing economic development and a highly skilled workforce, at the same time fulfilling the aspirations of its citizens and their desire for the prestige education brings. Moreover, ideological education plays a key role in enlisting citizens to the national cause. Although China has ambitious plans for its education system, several problems remain, including an examination-obsessed system and highly competitive culture, which skew the social fabric and dominate family life and childhoods.
This accessible analysis will be a welcome resource for students of comparative education as well as those across the social sciences interested in Chinese society.
Throughout its history, education in China has played a pivotal role in the nation's governance, civic society, and the social and cultural lives of its citizens. Today we see a nation grappling with how to modernize and internationalize its education system, while still retaining China's intellectual traditions and values in the face of growing educational inequalities.
This book analyses the historical and contemporary place of education in China and how the past has influenced today's trends. Recent fundamental educational reforms have been driven by the need for continuing economic development and a highly skilled workforce, at the same time fulfilling the aspirations of its citizens and their desire for the prestige education brings. Moreover, ideological education plays a key role in enlisting citizens to the national cause. Although China has ambitious plans for its education system, several problems remain, including an examination-obsessed system and highly competitive culture, which skew the social fabric and dominate family life and childhoods.
This accessible analysis will be a welcome resource for students of comparative education as well as those across the social sciences interested in Chinese society.
Ruth Hayhoe, University of Toronto
'This book provides an insightful, clear and comprehensive picture of Chinese education, from the reforms that have taken place to the challenges that lie ahead. It is a must-read if we are to understand China's "rise" and her trajectory into the future.'
Kam Louie, University of Hong Kong