Multileveled citizenship and citizenship education: experiences of students in China's Beijing

Abstract

With reference to three secondary schools in Beijing, this study investigates students' perceptions of multiple identities at four levels – self, local, national, and global – and the ways in which students form multiple identities. The study uses a mixed methodology of questionnaires and interview surveys to collect data, and identifies four patterns of Beijing students' multiple identities: a high value on self-identity, a strong affective orientation toward local and national identity, minimal distinction between local and national identities, and an imagined global identity. This study provides empirical data that both supplements and challenges the existing literature on citizenship and citizenship education in the context of globalization.

Keywords:

• globalization
• citizenship education
• multileveled citizenship
• multiple identities
• China

Notes

1. For example, the Great Wall was built to defend the empire against invasion, the Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace, the Summer Palace was the royal gardens, and the Temple of Heaven was the royal family's private temple. All were built in the imperial style, served the emperors and represented imperial power.

2. The Ministry of Public Security issued the Citizens Fight against Terrorist Attack Manual (gongmin fangfan kongbu xiji shouce) as China was tightening security in the preparation for the Olympic Games. The booklet teaches Beijing citizens how to identify suspicious substances, and how to escape from or even stop a terrorist attack. The Ministry also announced awards ranging from RMB10,000 to 500,000 yuan (US$1449–72,463) for people providing useful tips to stop serious crimes during the Games (China Daily Reporter 2008).