Approximately 82% of adults in China are literate, which means that most of the Chinese population
has received some sort of education. 92% of Chinese children finish their primary studies. 69%
percent of them go on to secondary school, and only 5.7% make it to college.

Early childcare in China ranges from ages 2-6. Kindergartens teach children basic skills, like simple
mathematics, language, music, physical education, and science. The most important role of these
institutions is to instill good moral values, like honesty, discipline, cooperation, and politeness.

92% of these children move on to primary school. The social atmosphere of these schools reflects the
values of Chinese society. Children are encouraged to be cautious, behaviorally inhibited , self-
restrained, and dependent on others. These qualities make children efficient members of a society that
is based on equality and cooperation.

69% of children go on to secondary schools that are based on preparation for college entrance
examinations. The stressful atmosphere of these schools combined with the knowledge that only 5.7%
of students will reach college, makes secondary schooling unappealing for the urban poor and many
rural farmers. Another problem with education in China is the poor facilities and the shortage of funds
for teachers. For those who choose to stay in school, the workload is tremendous. Even after the
regulation of homework by the State Education Commission, students as young as ten take
home an average of eight hours of work per night. Too much homework can often prevent children
from engaging in important extra-curricular activities for all-around development.

Chen, X., Rubin, K., Sun, Y., (1992). Social Reputation and Peer Relationship in Chinese and Canadian
Children: A Cross-Cultural Study. Child Development, 63, 1336-1342.

Lystad, M., (1987). Children of China. Children Today, 16.

Lau S., (1996) Growing up the Chinese Way: Chinese Child and Adolescent Development. Hong Kong:
The Chinese University Press.

This page was created by Jessica Carroll, Kirsten Jo Eby, Daniel Gonzalez, and Matt Rigberg, for a Tulane
University course, Children & Society. This course is taught by Professor April Brayfield. Our purpose is to
accurately describe the lives of children in China. Information on children in other countries is available at the
Childhood Around the World homepage.

Last Updated: December 15, 1999