ABSTRACT
The term chün-tzu literally means 'son of a ruler', but is used in the more general sense of 'gentleman'. This chapter begins with a discussion of traditional Chinese educational thought, focusing on the special role of Confucian thought in that tradition. It discusses the ways in which Confucian thought was manifested in practice in educational institutions and, even more, in the imperial examination system. The chapter examines more recent events in the history of Chinese education. The history of Chinese educational thought and practice is in many ways somewhat easier to understand than that of many other non-western societies. Traditional Chinese educational practice, as well as traditional views about the proper upbringing of children, focused on social adaptation and a deep-seated sense of politeness: Children were brought up to be affable, gentle and obedient. Schooling in imperial China reflected social class background to a very great extent.
