The Role of the State and State Orthodoxy in Citizenship and Education in China

Abstract

This chapter draws on existing theoretical and empirical literature to examine citizenship and education in China. The chapter broadly traces the intertwined relationships between the state, its governing orthodoxy, citizenship, and education for citizenship in China. The chapter argues that Chinese citizenship and education for citizenship are situated and state-centric, and can vary – and has varied – with changes in political regimes and domestic and global contexts. The state defines Chinese citizenship and education, and selects the official orthodoxy for state governance to legitimize its leadership and rationalize the precedence of collective over individual interests. Education is more an instrument of citizen-making than person-making, and is used to promote the ruler’s orthodoxy and values and foster an obedient citizenry for social and political stability, rather than cultivating people to become more independent and autonomous.