A Look at Children in China

This paper explores educational philosophy and its effect on children's development in the People's Republic of China. The Chinese educational system incorporates heterogeneous classrooms and opportunities to "serve the people" through meaningful, productive work in order to foster a perception of group membership among students. The students in China were observed to be healthy, happy, confident, outgoing, and considerate. Children in China under 7 years of age are usually cared for by grandparents or in nurseries, and the warmth and affection of caregivers are valued. After age 7, children are included in a community support system which incorporates units of neighbors to provide direct care for children when necessary. Children are therfore socialized by the school, family, and the community. The Chinese system of all-inclusive health care, the value placed on a stimulating environment in both the school and the home, the nonpunitive attitude maintained by teachers, and the consistency found between parent and teacher attitudes are other facets of the culture which optimize child development in China. (BRT)