Chapter 2: Civic Studies In a Socialist Democracy With Chinese Characteristics: A Travelogue with Four Lesson Observation Reports

Approaching China via a transcontinental flight from Europe, one might have the chance to admire the Great Wall from a bird’s perspective. Arriving at Bejing’s international airport, “Patriotism, Innovation, Inclusiveness, Virtue—Bineijing Spirit” is the slogan that greets visitors to the Olympic city of Beijing and encompasses the official guiding principle underlying the formation of a harmonious society (hexie shehui) with Chinese characteristics.

The first thing that strikes me when looking to sum up observations of political education in China¹ is the part played by role models in everyday life. On the streets, schoolyards, and in school corridors, the presence of pictures and quotes from successful entrepreneurs or philanthropists of every nation and era is ubiquitous. Teachers are treated as role models: at the annual Teachers’ Day (jiao shi jie) pupils and students present their teachers with greeting cards or small gifts.