The Study On The Culture Of Family Education In Ming And Qing Dynasties

Family education, an important component in Chinese traditional culture, came into being with the appearance of family as the basic unit in society in the forms of many family teachings and home letters. Family education in the Ming and Qing dynasties, whose boom was closely connected with its specific times, played a crucial part in the history of Chinese Family education. The autocratic monarch in the Ming and Qing dynasties rose to its climax, and the reign began to decline. As a contrast, the family education was extremely flourishing. Influenced by the idea of pragmatism, family education demonstrated the tendency of being popularized. At the same time, a large number of merchant and technological family teachings emerged with the advent of Capitalism and the introduction of western technologies.I. The main contents of family education in the Ming and Qing Dynasties(1). Morality cultivation and health preservationTo cultivate one's morality, to regulate the family, and to rule the state make up the essence of Confucianism ideology. The ambition of ruling a state can only be achieved by aspiration, self-cultivation and one's devotion to studies.(2). The selection of officials by imperial examinationsThe imperial examinations, which originated from the Sui and Tang dynasties, became mature and standard in Ming and Qing dynasties and consequently resulted in the rigid system of eight-part essays. As a result, many good examples emerged that could best illustrate the old saying: a good scholar will make an official.(3). Life management and financingThe operations of either an individual or a family is based on the material ground. And this is especially true with those intellectual families, which had a high demand of quality life so that they might accomplish a wonderful life.(4). The bearing of oneselfSince an individual is a member of the society, one cannot do without associating with the people around him. So there exists relationships such as, filial obedience, friendship, neighbors, taxation, marriage and death, and officials.(5). Family teachings in merchant familiesThe merchant drive in the Ming and Qing dynasties grew stronger with the development of commodity economy. Many officials set their foot on business. The main teachings for the merchant family education are basically: aspiration, reading, doing business, keeping to rules in business world, etc.(6). Teaching of science and technologyAs the western studies began to be introduced to China during the Ming and Qing dynasties, there emerged many Chinese scientists who were familiar with both eastern and western schools of teaching.(7). Sympathy for living things, and benevolence for everythingTo pursue an ideal world of harmony, the ancient people were opposed to denudation; on the contrary, they put forward the idea of cherishing lives and cultivating a heart full of benevolence.(8). Family education of womenWomen in ancient China with a humble social status were deprived of their right of schooling and inheriting properties. They were destined to be trained as filial daughters, loyal wives or devoted mothers.II. A number of important principles and methodologies are implied in the family education in the Ming and Qing dynasties. They are: the emphasis on embryo education, practice with what one preach, a combination of tolerance and sternness in teaching, and teaching students in accordance with their aptitudes, etc.Family education in the Ming and Qing dynasties is characterized with their affinity, realism, idealism, earthliness, and a tendency to be influenced by other ideologies. At the same time, it has the disadvantage of being class distinctive, deterministic, etc. And, most importantly, it plays a role of transition in the history of Chinese family education. Many works are still popular and influencing the current family teaching. That is why it is significant to carry on this precious heritage so that it may supply meaningful insights for today's family education...