International Journal of Humanities and Social Science
Vol. 2 No. 3; February 2012
Confucianism and Chinese Families: Values and Practices in Education
Grace Hui-Chen Huang, Ph. D.
Associate Professor
Department of Teacher Education
Cleveland State University
United States of America
Mary Gove, Ph. D.
Associate Professor
Department of Teacher Education
Cleveland State University
United States of America
Abstract
The purpose of this conceptual paper is to examine Confucianism’s influence on Chinese families in the United
States, specifically in educational practice and family relationships. The authors describe how Confucianism is
embedded in Chinese culture and places value on education at societal, familial, and individual level.
Additionally, the meaning of educational success and the efforts involved in the educational process associated
with Confucianism are discussed. The authors also examine the hierarchical relationship in Chinese educational
system and within the family’s educational practices. Educational implications are provided to inform
professional practices.
Keywords: Confucianism, Chinese family, education, parental involvement
Introduction
For nearly 2,000 years, Confucianism has shaped the social, ethical and political aspect of Chinese cultures.
Confucianism, developed by the greatest Chinese philosopher, Confucius, is a philosophy which focuses on the
conduct and practices of people in daily life. It is a complex set of ethical and moral rules that dictate how a
person relates to others. It plays a key role in forming the norms of social morality which influence the culture in
personal, familial, and social relationships. Confucianism has a significant influence on education. In this paper,
the authors will examine how Confucian philosophy and principles impact Chinese families’ educational
practices in the United States.
The term “Chinese cultures” – plural – is used in this paper. It is a reminder that...