Chinese Nationalism and Public Education: An Analysis

Higher education in China is as ancient as Chinese culture itself. From the imperial service exam to today\u27s notoriously stressful college entrance exam, education has always featured prominently in the Chinese tradition. However, the education system under the Communist Party differs greatly from that of its past. Today, it not only emphasizes math and science, but also reinforces collective identity and ultranationalism. Despite this, strong parallels can be drawn between contemporary Chinese education and its imperial roots. China is undergoing a period of cultural, economic and political expansion. Its already potent influence is growing rapidly, which poses a dilemma for those in the West who fail to adequately grasp Chinese identity. From a strategic standpoint, our misunderstanding of Chinese culture, values and objectives has led to repeated political miscalculations. As Chinese products, culture and values make their way abroad, we misunderstand China at our own risk. In the age of globalization, the largest culture in the world remains the most opaque and inscrutable. An analysis of the Chinese education system is the first step in gaining a more thorough understanding of the Middle Kingdom Wong, Edward; Wang, Xiaoyan; Wang, Jin; Wonho, Jang; Muthanna, Abdulghani; Guoyuan Sang; Liu, Jian; Ka, Ho Mok; Weijun Chen; Edkins, Don; Altbach, Phillip G