Chinese Children's Changing Family and School Environments

As a result of modernization, major changes are taking place in children's social relationships. Children are beginning to view their parents more as friends and colleagues rather than powerful authority figures. Parents are realizing that their children face a new, uncharted future and are more inclined to consider their children's point of view. The generation gap is viewed as evidence of social progress. Children and parents are growing into the future together. Increased pressure from economic development results in increasing demands on the educational system. Private schools, some of which are very costly, are on the rise. The entire educational system, including laws governing schools, student-teacher relations, and expectations about goals for educational quality are being revised.