Cultivating morality in Chinese families—Past, present, and future

Abstract

This article examines past and present moral education practices in Chinese families. It begins with a brief overview of Confucian thought on moral education and its lasting influence on Chinese moral ethos. It then identifies the types of moral values emphasised by Chinese parents, as well as the kinds of moral education literature they use for teaching. It proceeds to analyse the methods employed by Chinese parents to instil moral values in everyday contexts. Using evidence from research and recent news reports on Chinese moral conduct, the author argues that the moral socialisation practices in Chinese families may be problematic, despite their best intentions. The article concludes by suggesting alternative family moral education approaches for future consideration.

Keywords:

• Moral socialisation
• Confucian moral thought
• guanjiao
• family moral teaching
• moral agency

Notes

1. http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/17/world/asia/china-toddler-hit-and-run/

2. http://www.namoamitabha.net/ch/publication/filial_piety/24stories1.htm