| Abstract: | This article discusses the evolution of Chinese culture in the People's Republic of China through recognizing a number of different stages and their respective influence on education and school leadership. Among the recognized stages are traditional culture, socialist culture, enterprise culture and patriarchal culture. To some extent these stages have developed sequentially, although all are claimed to be of relevance today. Traditional culture is reflected in continued respect for authority, collectivism and harmony in schools. Socialist culture has, in many ways, reinforced aspects of traditional culture while, at the same time, further politicizing the principal's role, and enterprise culture has served to integrate market values into the education system. The influence of patriarchal culture continues to determine the role of men and women in schools, and particularly in school leadership. The article concludes by briefly discussing both the cumulative and enduring influence of the hybrid Chinese culture on education. |
