Orphaned Children in Traditional Chinese Religious and Philosophical Doctrines: Social Aspect

Abstract

The article studies the historical and pedagogical aspects of the Chinese social care over orphaned children system`s establishment, in particular - the reflection of the social care over orphans idea in traditional Chinese philosophical and religious doctrines (Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism). The aim of the article is to analyze the reflection of the idea that orphaned children are to be over the social care and guardianship (social welfare and social care system) in theory and practice of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. The methodological basis of the article is represented by the methodology of historical pedagogical and comparative pedagogical studies. The article presents the author`s personal point of view that the idea of social guardianship over the orphaned children in forms familiar to Europeans (orphanages, shelters attached to religious organizations, adoption), which was brought to China in the middle of the 18th century by abroad religious adepts, is not reflected in the traditional Chinese religious and philosophical doctrines. Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism at the theoretical level practically did not develop the idea of social care over the defined category of children, confining themselves to general declaration of the need to be mercy to unfortunates. In practice it resulted in the non-inclusion of the doctrines and their adepts as equal agents of socialization in the system of social welfare for orphans in Traditional China and modern PR China as well.