China has a huge poplutaion of 1.2 billion people. The people in China make up one fifth of the total
world population. 26% of Chinese, 378 million in total are children. One out of every four children in
the world is Chinese. These numbers suggest that researching children in China is important to
understand the condition of children in the modern world.

China is one of the only remaining communist countries in the world. Its culture has been preserved in
part through isolation from Western Civilization. Communism is based on the communal ownership of all
property. In theory, everyone works solely for the common good of the community. Communism
promotes a highly rule-driven society.

Children in China are greatly influenced by the political structure of the country. They soon learn from
parents and teachers to respect authority. They learn that being cautious, inhibited, and self-disciplined
are positive traits. They are not encouraged to strive for personal wealth and status. Instead they learn
to value dependency and conformity.

Recently China has been a subject of controversy in the debate over children's rights. The concerns
are about the many freedoms that Western countries take for granted yet Chinese citizens do not have.
Child labor is one of the main concerns.

Statistics from: unicef at http://www.unicef.org/statis/

Chen, X., Rubin, K. H., Sun, Y. (1992) Social Relationships and Peer Relationship in Chinese and Canadian
Children: A Cross-Cultural Study. Child Development,63

Lau S. (1996) Growing up the Chinese Way: Chinese Child and Adolescent Development. Hong Kong:
The Chinese University Press.

The Europa World Yearbook. (1999) Volume A-J 40th edition. (pp. 930-940) London: Europa Publications
Limited.

Zhou, X., Hou, L. (1999) Children of the Cultural Revolution: The State and the Life Course in the People's
Republic of China. American Sociological Review, 64, 12-36

This page was created by Jessica Carroll, Kirsten Jo Eby, Daniel Gonzalez, and Matt Rigberg for a Tulane
University course, Children & Society. This course is taught by Professor April Brayfield. Our purpose is to
accurately describe the lives of children in China. Information on children in other countries is available at the
Childhood Around the World homepage.

Last Updated: December 7, 1999