The Revival of Confucianism in China: Native Chinese's Attitudes

• In Event: 32.083 - Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: 32.083-19 - Confucianism in Practice

Abstract

Confucianism as an important part of Chinese culture, along with Taoism and Buddhism, has contributed the framework of Chinese society and helped shape the mentality of Chinese people (Fang, 1999). Since 2000, the status of Confucianism has increased. Confucian teachings have made their way into Chinese education curriculums from kindergartens to graduate schools (Hornemann & Petersen, 2007; Yang, 2007). Internationally, the government established Confucius Institutes worldwide. How do native Chinese view the Chinese government’s new approach to Confucianism? This study investigated this question using a qualitative research method. Findings revealed that Chinese people’s attitudes towards the revival of Confucianism can be divided into three types: 1) positive, 2) negative, and 3) “whatever.”

Author

• Dengting Boyanton, Shenzhou Tianli Education