Unit 1: Families in Different Societies

Families and Communities in China

Typical Chinese Family

• Family (家庭—jiātíng) is extremely important to the Chinese.
• Chinese families are traditionally patriarchal, with the father being the head of the household.
• The family unit is highly valued and extended family members often live together or in close proximity.
• Respect for elders is a core value in Chinese culture, and grandparents often play a significant role in raising grandchildren.
• Filial piety (孝), or the duty of children to respect and care for their parents, is also highly emphasized.
• Chinese families often prioritize education and academic achievement, with parents placing a strong emphasis on their children's success in school.
• Gender roles are also traditionally defined, with men being expected to provide for the family and women being responsible for domestic duties.
• However, these traditional gender roles are changing in modern Chinese society, with more women entering the workforce and taking on leadership roles in the family.

Families in Chinese Society

• In traditional Chinese society, the oldest male heads the family and makes choices.
• Women don't take their husbands' last names, emphasizing their status.
• The father is the family's major provider and decision-maker.
• Women bore sons and continued the family line, while men made money and supported the household publicly.
• The eldest son is predicted to pass on the family name and care for his parents as they age.
• Younger children must help with housework and respect their elders.

Chinese Social Customs, Traditions, and Values

• Filial piety (孝顺 - xiàoshùn): China values respect, obedience, and loyalty to parents and ancestors.

  • Children are expected to respect and care for their elderly parents.
  • It is the core value of China, an extremely important traditional value.
  • In the fourth century BCE, Confucius described the concept of filial piety in his book, 孝经 (xiào jīng) (Classic of Filial Piety)

• Respect for authority: Hierarchy and respect for authority are valued in traditional Chinese society.

  • Younger people are expected to respect elders for their wisdom and experience.

• Harmony: Chinese culture values harmony and avoiding conflict.

  • Mediation and compromise often resolve disputes.

• Hard work: In Chinese culture, work ethic and tenacity are highly appreciated.

  • Often, success is evaluated by a person's ability to work hard and accomplish goals.

• Loyalty: Even in terrible times, it is expected that individuals will support and stand by their loved ones.

• Education: In Chinese culture, education is regarded as a means of enhancing one's social standing and future chances.

• Traditional festivals: Celebrations uch as the Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival, are generally times for family gatherings and cultural practices.

  Respect for tradition: Traditional rituals and values are revered and protected with great importance in Chinese culture.

  • Respect for one's forebears and the maintenance of cultural traditions are included.

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Personal and Public Identities in China

Chinese National and Ethnic Identities

• China is a multiethnic country with 56 recognized ethnic groups, the largest being the Han Chinese.
• The concept of a Chinese national identity has evolved over time, with the idea of a unified Chinese state dating back to the Qin dynasty (221-206 BCE).
• The Han Chinese have traditionally been seen as the dominant ethnic group in China, with their language and culture serving as the basis for the national identity.
• However, the Chinese government has also recognized the importance of ethnic diversity and has implemented policies to protect and promote the cultures and languages of minority groups.
• The tension between national and ethnic identities has been a source of conflict in China, particularly in regions with large non-Han populations such as Tibet and Xinjiang.
• The Chinese government has been accused of suppressing minority cultures and imposing Han Chinese values on minority groups, leading to protests and unrest.
• In recent years, there has been a growing movement among minority groups to assert their distinct identities and resist assimilation into a homogenous Chinese national identity.
• The issue of national and ethnic identities in China is complex and multifaceted, reflecting the country's rich cultural diversity and its ongoing struggle to balance unity and diversity.

Chinese Heroes and National Figures

• Confucius
  • He was a Chinese philosopher and politician who lived from 551 to 479 BCE.
  • He is known for his teachings on ethics, morality, and social relationships, which became the basis of Confucianism.
  • Confucius believed in the importance of education, self-improvement, and respect for authority.
  • He emphasized the concept of the "Golden Rule," which states that one should treat others as they would like to be treated.
  • Confucius' teachings have had a profound impact on Chinese culture and society, and his ideas continue to be studied and practiced around the world.
• Sun Yat-sen
  • He was a Chinese revolutionary and politician who played a key role in overthrowing the Qing dynasty and establishing the Republic of China.
  • He is considered the "Father of the Nation" in the Republic of China and his Three Principles of the People (nationalism, democracy, and people's livelihood) continue to be an important political ideology in Taiwan.
• Mao Zedong
  • He was a Chinese communist revolutionary who led the People's Republic of China from its establishment in 1949 until his death in 1976.
  • He is known for his role in the Chinese Civil War and the founding of the People's Republic of China.
  • Mao's ideology and policies, including the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, had a significant impact on China and the world.
  • He is considered a controversial figure, with some viewing him as a hero and others as a dictator responsible for the deaths of millions of people.

The Role of the Individual in Chinese Society

• Chinese society is traditionally collectivist, emphasizing the importance of the group over the individual.
• The concept of "face" is crucial in Chinese culture, which refers to a person's reputation and social standing within their community.
• Confucianism, a major philosophical and ethical system in China, emphasizes the importance of social harmony and hierarchy.
• Confucianism also stresses the importance of filial piety, or respect for one's elders and ancestors.
• The Communist Party's rise to power in 1949 brought about a shift towards a more egalitarian society, but individualism was still discouraged.
• In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on individualism and personal expression in Chinese society, particularly among younger generations.
• However, the government still maintains strict control over certain aspects of individual life, such as freedom of speech and political dissent.
• Overall, while the role of the individual in Chinese society has evolved over time, collectivism and social harmony remain important values.

Patriotism in China

• Patriotic Education in China
  • This refers to the government's efforts to instill a sense of national pride and loyalty to the Communist Party of China among its citizens, particularly the younger generation.
  • This education is integrated into the school curriculum, with textbooks and classroom materials emphasizing the country's history, culture, and achievements.
  • The goal of patriotic education is to promote a unified national identity and to counteract any potential threats to the country's political stability.
  • Critics argue that this education is used as a tool for propaganda and to suppress dissenting views.
  • In recent years, there has been a renewed emphasis on patriotic education in China, with the government launching campaigns to promote "core socialist values" and to combat "Western values" that are seen as a threat to Chinese culture and traditions.
  • Overall, patriotic education remains a controversial topic in China, with some seeing it as a necessary tool for promoting national unity and others viewing it as a form of indoctrination.
• National Day celebrations in China
  • China celebrates its National Day on October 1st every year.
  • This day marks the anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.
  • These celebrations in China are a grand affair and are marked by various events and activities.
  • The celebrations begin with a flag-raising ceremony in Tiananmen Square in Beijing.
  • The ceremony is attended by thousands of people, including government officials, military personnel, and civilians.
  • The national anthem is played, and the national flag is raised to mark the beginning of the celebrations.
  • The day is also marked by a grand parade, which showcases China's military might and technological advancements.
  • The parade features various military units, tanks, missiles, and other weapons. The parade is also attended by foreign dignitaries and representatives from various countries.
  • There are also cultural performances, fireworks displays, and other events that take place across the country.
  • The National Day celebrations in China are a time for people to come together and celebrate their country's achievements and progress.
• Patriotic Media in China
  • China has a long history of using media for patriotic purposes.
  • The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) controls all media outlets in China, including newspapers, television, and radio.
  • The media in China is used to promote the CCP's ideology and to shape public opinion.
  • The CCP uses media to promote nationalism and to strengthen the country's image both domestically and internationally.
  • The media in China is heavily censored, and any content that is deemed to be critical of the CCP or the government is not allowed to be published.
  • The Chinese government has been known to use propaganda to manipulate public opinion and to suppress dissent.
  • The media in China is also used to promote China's economic growth and to showcase the country's achievements.
  • The CCP has been known to use media to promote its policies and to rally public support for its initiatives.
  • The Chinese media has been criticized for its lack of objectivity and for its tendency to promote the CCP's agenda.
  • Despite these criticisms, the media in China remains an important tool for the CCP to maintain control over the country and to promote its vision of China's future.
• Military Parades
  • China holds military parades to commemorate important events such as National Day and the anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
  • These parades showcase China's military strength and technological advancements.
  • The most recent military parade was held on October 1, 2019, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

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Contemporary Life in China: Transportation and Tourism

Transportation in China

• Bicycle: Commonly used for short distance transportation, especially in small villages.
• Electric bike/scooter: Used for short to medium distance transportation, much more convenient than bicycles.
• Metro/Subway: The best option in travelling to bigger Chinese cities; it is more convenient and are used for long distance trips.
• Bus: This are more popular and inexpensive to travel within the city area. There are both private and public bus companies.
• Taxi: Often hailed on the street or through a mobile app.
• Air travel: An efficient way to travel between cities and other regions. There are domestic and international means for travelling.

Popular Tourist Destinations in China

• The Great Wall of China: This is a series of fortifications built along the northern borders of China to protect against invasions.
  • Stretches over 13,000 miles (21,000 kilometers).
• The Forbidden City: This is a palace complex in Beijing that served as the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties.
• The Terra-Cotta Warriors: These are a collection of sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. One of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century.
• The Yellow Mountains: Located in Anhui province, this is a mountain range known for their scenic beauty and unique rock formations.
• The West Lake: This is a freshwater lake in Hangzhou that is famous for its natural beauty and cultural significance.

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Global Challenges Facing China

Economic Challenges

• Debt: China's debt has been growing rapidly, and there are concerns about its sustainability.
• Environmental issues: China's rapid economic growth has come at a cost to the environment, with air and water pollution being major problems.
• Income inequality: Despite China's economic growth, income inequality remains a significant issue, with many people still living in poverty.
• Aging population: China's population is aging rapidly, which could put pressure on the country's economy and social welfare system.
• Trade tensions: China's trade tensions with the US and other countries could have a significant impact on its economy.

Environmental Challenges

• Air pollution: China's rapid industrialization has led to severe air pollution, particularly in urban areas.
• Water pollution: Industrial and agricultural activities have resulted in water pollution, making many water sources unsafe for human consumption.
• Soil pollution: Heavy use of pesticides and fertilizers has led to soil pollution, affecting agricultural productivity and food safety.
• Deforestation: China has lost a significant amount of its forest cover due to logging, urbanization, and conversion of land for agriculture.
• Climate change: China is the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, contributing to global climate change.
• Biodiversity loss: Habitat destruction, overfishing, and illegal wildlife trade have led to a decline in China's biodiversity.

Political Challenges

• Maintaining social stability amidst growing economic inequality and social unrest.
• Balancing economic growth with environmental protection and sustainability.
• Addressing corruption and promoting transparency in government.
• Managing tensions with neighboring countries over territorial disputes.
• Navigating the complex relationship with the United States and other global powers.
• Ensuring political stability during the transition of power to a new generation of leaders.

Demographic Challenges

• Aging population: China's population is rapidly aging, with a large proportion of the population over the age of 60.
• Gender imbalance: Due to the one-child policy and a cultural preference for male children, there is a significant gender imbalance in China, with more males than females.
• Urban-rural divide: There is a significant divide between urban and rural populations in terms of access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
• Migration: China has a large population of internal migrants, who often face discrimination and limited access to social services.
• Environmental degradation: China's rapid economic growth has led to significant environmental degradation, which poses health risks to the population.
• Income inequality: There is a significant income gap between the rich and poor in China, which can lead to social unrest and instability.
• The One-Child Policy: This policy of urban households led to female infanticide and an unbalanced ratio of men to women, resulting in a rapid decline of traditional culture among the following generation.
  • Boys were prized due to the assumption that women could not perpetuate the family.

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