The Cultural Revolution of China, which lasted from 1966 to 1976, was a period of great turmoil and violent social and political upheaval in the country. A mass mobilization program initiated by Mao Zedong and other leftists, the revolution aimed to keep capitalism and traditional culture in check, to modernize China and to further the spread of communism. In this period of purges and radical upheaval, China’s education system was greatly impacted, leading to a lasting effect on the Chinese concept of education.
Background of the Cultural Revolution
The Cultural Revolution began after Mao Zedong had grown frustrated with the progress of China’s Socialist transformation. Feeling that the nation had grown too comfortable with capitalism and tradition, the leader called on a mass revolution. Starting in May 1966, Mao instilled a campaign of radical change in China, calling on the people to “Bombard the headquarters”, meaning to violently sweep away the obstacles preventing socialism from progressing.
What followed was a chaotic period of political and social upheaval, marked by increased military presence, terror campaigns and social purges. Protests and violence became common, with people’s homes and property being destroyed. People were persecuted and put into labor camps, while traditional forms of culture and art were increasingly restricted or censored.
How the Cultural Revolution Impacted Education
During this time, the nation’s education system was highly compromised in the effort to promote Mao’s values and ideology. From 1964 to 1966, all education was suspended in order to focus on Mao’s political movements. Students were influenced to join the political struggle and dedicate their lives to Mao’s revolutionary cause. Education itself suffered, as educational institutions were turned into political centers, and schools and universities were closed down.
The teaching profession was also greatly strained during this period. Intellectuals and teachers seen as obstacles to the revolution were arrested, demoted or even killed. This led to a decrease in the number of qualified teachers, which halted the nation’s educational progress. Books and literature, particularly those deemed disapproved by the state, were burned on a massive scale.
The Impact of the Cultural Revolution on China’s Education System
The Cultural Revolution in China had a lasting effect on the nation’s education system, and its impact can still be seen today. Below are some of the most significant effects of the Cultural Revolution on China’s education system:
- Rise of Patriotism and Political Ideology
The Cultural Revolution pushed for a particular political agenda, and patriotism and Maoist ideology were pushed in schools as a sign of loyalty. For example, patriotism was given greater emphasis, and loyalty to the state and its leaders was often required of students.
- Decrease in Quality of Education
In the absence of many qualified teachers and the commitment of resources to promote Mao’s pursuits, educational quality suffered. Schools and universities suffered from a lack of structure, resources, infrastructure and knowledge.
- Breakdown of Educational Institutions
The Cultural Revolution saw a number of education institutions being permanently closed down or dismantled, leading to a decrease in the number of schools and universities in the country.
- Loss of Personal Freedoms
Students and teachers in the era of the Cultural Revolution experienced severe levels of repression and lack of personal freedom. Censorship of books and literature was commonplace, with books disapproved by the state often banned severely.
- Decrease in Research and Academic Development
Academic development and research was greatly hindered in the Cultural Revolution, with resources often devoted to the state’s political agenda rather than educational advancement.
The Cultural Revolution of China had a far-reaching impact on the nation’s education system. It derailed progress in the educational sector, resulting in a decrease in quality of education, the breakdown of educational institutions and a significant loss of personal freedoms and academic development. The effects of the Cultural Revolution can still be felt in China’s education system today.
