Social Representations of National Image in Chinese Civic Textbooks Morality and Law

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: Social Studies Poster Session: Analyzing Curricula and Texts

Abstract

Social representations of national image in Chinese national civic textbooks are analyzed. This study aims to demonstrate what is written on China’s national image and how it is structured in the educational context. Drawing on 4D model of country image and social representation theory as theoretical frameworks, the two analysis methods are conducted. A coarse-grained analysis identifies common structures in the content of national image. A fine-grained analysis investigates the value connotation and social representation of the national image. The study demonstrates the linkage between social representations of the national image and national identity, and provides an example of how this national textbook balances the relationship between national culture and international understanding in the context of globalization.

Author

• Yue Zhang, East China Normal University