Abstract
Abstract During the Great Leap Forward (1958–1961), the state attempted to rapidly transform the country into a socialist, industrial powerhouse, necessitating the mobilisation of all members of society, including children. This article demonstrates that during the Great Leap Forward in particular, periodicals, storybooks, and newspaper stories portrayed children as independent problem-solvers and political actors, who often acted outside of, and sometimes in defiance of, adult authority. However, during this period, in daily life, teachers, parents, and Young Pioneer counsellors rewarded children for many aspects of the same behaviour as in the early years of the PRC: studying hard, helping one’s classmates, supporting the teacher, doing chores at home, and being kind and obedient to adults and authority figures. Thus, the heroic child of national media and the obedient child of daily life diverged significantly during the Great Leap Forward.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
