Comparative analysis of
Chinese family education and American family
education
1 Introduction
1.1Introduction of the increasing awareness of the importance of family education
Recently there is a book arousing heated discussion about family education in both America and China. When it comes to how to cultivate child in family life, the overwhelming majority of the westerner and the easterner hold opposite opinions and the minor are on the fence. As the prevalent spread of the book—battle hymn of the tiger mother Amy Chua1 draws numerous attention of parents from all over the world. The westerner are increasingly becoming aware of the demerits of their education system, while the easterner review theirs with scrutiny and seek for a new solution to deprive their children from the enormous pressure originating from study.
1.2 introductions of little women
Concerning family education, we can turn to classic masterpieces which are not only charming but also instructive. Literally speaking, classic works are the accumulation and summary of wise point about the world so that they can blaze our trial before we make a significant decision. Without doubt, the little women set a good example for all parents about how to better their family education.
Having four children in one family may be a headache to parents, in that they would be wrapped up with quarrel, cry, and complaint. Whereas to the March, the situation is quiet contrast, for the parents are talent
educators. Four girls, vain Meg, decided Jo, timid Beth and self-conceited Amy, add both laughter and sorrow to the March. At the beginning, every girl has her demerits such as laziness, vanity, and childish characters, but after experiencing a series of ups and downs in their live and instructing by their parents, they gradually grow into little women who are fearless and bravely burden any responsibility. The way how Mr. and Mrs., march to educate their children is specific from which modern parents can extract some terrific methods of family education in order to foster the all round development of their own children and narrow the generation gap between parents and kids.
Based on the above introduction, it will be easier for us to make an explicit comparison between Chinese and America family education.
2Differences between Chinese Family Education and American Family Education
2.1Attitude and Purpose towards Education
As the difference of cultural background and concept about personal life pursuit, attitude of the westerner to study greatly distinguishes from that of the easterner. In little women, we get to know the magnificent influence brought by family education. According to Mr. March, the father of four girls, education is to child what water is to fish. “I know they will remember all I told them, that they will do their duty faithfully, fight their enemies bravely, and conquer themselves so beautifully that when I come back I may be fonder and prouder than ever of my little women.”(Louses May Alcott 9) to the march, study is by no means just a way to get rid of poverty, instead, it is absolutely a approach for young people to elevate themselves and develop their interests to the extend. What’s more, Elisabeth considers that through studying hard, the juvenile
