Chinese Parents' Role Modeling: Promoting Gratitude

Abstract

While formal education takes place in schools, informal education—specifically education in cultural and societal spheres—is largely the domain of families. Character education, which is an element of both formal and informal education, teaches children the morals, values, and attributes of their cultures. It can take many forms, depending on the cultural context. Some cultures value independence and self-determination, while other cultures place more importance on relationships and group harmony. China's one-child policy, implemented at a time when the country was experiencing rapid modernization and urbanization, has contributed to a shift in Chinese culture, especially among younger generations. According to the author, filial piety, a Chinese custom in which elders are granted great respect and their thoughtful care in their latter years is entrusted to their children, has been eroded by the child-focus of parents affected by the one-child policy. In this article, the author examines this phenomenon in the context of the philosophy and literature of morality and justice and gives recommendations for restoring gratitude in China's younger generations.