Sixty-seven percent of Chinese children live in rural settings. In the country farmlands of China these
children thrive in close functional families. These families often include grandparents along with the
nuclear family. Some rural children experience a relaxed day of school, chores and spending time with
friends and family. Most families in rural China are poor, however, and children from poor families
usually balance an eight-hour shift in a local factory or field into their day. Employment for young
children is high in rural areas; corporations seeking cheap labor target them.

Thirty-three percent of Chinese youth reside in urban areas. These children live very structured lives.
They are heavily involved in school and afterwards must complete all schoolwork before any
playtime. Urban children usually play by themselves because of their only child status and the dangers
of the city. Schoolwork can last up to eight hours for a child after school. Urban children must learn to
look after themselves at an early age. They must independently clean and dress themselves as soon as
possible. They have bedtimes and specific chores. Success in school is the way to get ahead in city
life. The elite minds go on to get college degrees and professional jobs.

Chinese children also encounter different experiences according to their gender. Male children of
Chinese society are valued because they will carry on the family name and must provide for the
parents in their old age. Females are the property of their husband's family when they marry and
therefore are not valued as much. This ancient tradition is still practiced because it is imperative for a
Chinese household to have a son. Boys are encouraged to go further with their education than girls.
Girls are encouraged to become good homemakers, and to be obedient and pleasing in preparation for
their future husband and family. While the government is trying to promote the importance of women
in Chinese society, this cultural tradition is hard to reverse.

Bissio,R.R.(1995/96).The World: A Third World Guide. P.177-182

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

Wang,L.,(1988)Child Labor Causes Concern.Beijing Review,33, 42

Yuli,Y.(1990).Kids are Easing up After School.Beijing Review,33

Last Updated: December 12, 1999