CHAPTER 7 - A Subtle and Silent Transformation: Moral Education in Taiwan and the People's Republic of China

Abstract

This chapter discusses a subtle and silent transformation of moral education in Taiwan and the People's Republic of China. Moral education in Taiwan has both a formal and an informal structure within the 9 years of compulsory (and free) education. But indirectly, a concern for morality is evident in the entire curriculum, especially language, literature, and social studies courses. It also occupies an important place in various kinds of extracurricular activities—periodic convocations, contests, displays, exhibitions, sports activities, Boy and Girl Scouts, celebrations of national holidays and those dedicated to some particular virtue, such as filial piety. Thus, in numerous direct and indirect ways, the schools play their part in effecting the subtle and silent transformation. In conclusion, one may say that the textbooks present a consistent picture of moral education in Taiwan—the nature of morality, its content, and priorities among the various virtues taught. One must remember, however, that the texts tell nothing about the actual moral situation among Chinese youth. They represent an ideal to which education authorities subscribe, a goal toward which they hope to lead the next generation.