Cultural Differences between China and Canada - Essay Example

Differences between China and Canada Introduction Canada is a sovereign country found in North America and is composed of ten provinces and three territories. Canada is among the largest countries in the world by total area and forms the world’s longest land boundary with the US. The people’s republic of china is a sovereign nation found in East Asia (Velde, 2009). China is the most populated country in the world. A critical analysis of china and Canada shows several difference in the political, social-cultural and education settings. Political differences The system, structure and functions of government for the two countries are very different (Hampson, et al. 2010). Canada has a democratic central form of government that coordinates actives throughout the country. The central government controls the fundamental sectors such as national defense, banking, and commerce. Others sectors such as education and hospitals are left to the provinces. In addition, the Canadian parliament comprises of the senate and the House of Commons. China has a dictatorial form of government with only one political party, the communist party. The common people are not allowed to question or criticize the government on whatever issues. The country is headed by a premier who possesses all the executive power. In china, representatives are selected from each province to represent people’s grievances in the congress. The Canadian people elect their representatives who then elect their prime minister. Canada is a multiparty state where several independent political parties are involved in running the government. Governing the country’s affairs is not left on the hands of one political party. The Canadian government derives its leadership strategies from the manifestos of various political parties. In china, the government recognizes only one political party to form a government. Opposition parties are not given a chance to serve in the government. A single party state, like china, undermines democracy and the people’s right to fair treatment. Opposition parties are meant to enhance checks and balances in the governing party. Therefore, lack of opposition parties in government hinders transparency and accountability. Cultural differences between china and Canada According to He (2003), the Chinese culture is generally formal and conservative in nature. Different communities have different cultures, and intercultural exchange is not allowed. In addition, the Chinese culture is quite complex for the visitors to adopt. For instance, the Chinese religion is complicated for other religions such as the Christianity to cope adopt. On the contrary, the Canadian culture is quite informal, and people are free to mingle with others, regardless of their origin. The Canadian culture is not conservative, and there are no restrictions regarding cultural exchange. The Chinese people respect good moral values (Shan & Su, 2014). Early marriages and teen pregnancies are heavily discouraged. In fact, courtship is only acceptable to people in their late 20s and above. The elder members of the community are entitled with the responsibility of educating the youths on marriage and relationship matters. Additionally, the Chinese government restricts the number of children a couple should get. Getting children beyond the set limit calls for harsh legal punishments such as paying fines and losing jobs. In Canada, the guidance on moral values and early marriages are a bit relaxed. The community pays little attention to the youths’ behavior and early relationships. Marriage is not restricted on the age basis. People are allowed to marry so long as they have attained the age of the majority; that is, 18 years. Every year the family members visit the graveyards to honor and mourn the ancestors. Recognition of the death is a respected tradition that every Chinese must follow. The graveyards are well maintained in order to show respect and togetherness between the living and the dead. The dead members of the family are always consulted on important family functions such as weddings. In Canada, recognition of the dead is not a common ritual. Canada is occupied by many immigrants and therefore tracing the burial sites of the ancestors is difficult. In addition, Canada is composed of a mixed culture which differ in structure and ways of doing things. China is composed of people of common origin and history and, therefore, tracing the graveyards for the ancestors is not a hard task. Mode of education The system of education in china is very different from that in Canada. In china, schoolchildren spend much time in class, mostly over ten hours. Students in higher institutions of learning (universities and colleges) are expected to take notes as the tutor lectures. In Canada, things are quite different. Students are given handouts and therefore do not take notes as the tutor lectures. Holmes (1998) states that students in Canada do not spend many hours in class, but instead, they students are left with ample time for self-study and research. In this regard, the students are able to understand the concepts taught faster than those in china. The assignments given by teachers in Canada are more practical and learner in a friendly way. In china, the assignments given are exam oriented and require memorization of the concepts taught. In essence, assignments given in Chinese institution are concerned with testing the student’s analytical skills and memorizing capacity. In china, the student’s area of specialization is heavily determined by the parent’s decision. Many students in china purse courses chosen by parents but not their choice (Chan, 2013). In Canada, the case is different altogether. The students chose what to specialize in without the parents’ interference. In essence, the students are given the freedom to choose and pursue a course of their choice. Conclusion China and Canada have several difference in almost all aspects. The political, socio-cultural and education aspects for the two countries are very different. Citizens of the two countries have varied ways of doing things and means of living. Chain is a single-party state led under a dictatorial rule. Canada is a multiparty state and values democracy. In summary, each country has its strengths and weakness that require to be moderated for better lives of the citizens. References: Chan, K. B. (2013). International handbook of Chinese families. New York, NY: Springer. Hampson, F. O., et al. (2010). As others see us. Montreal: McGill-Queens University Press. He, M. F. (2003). A river forever flowing: Cross-cultural lives and identities in the multicultural landscape. Greenwich, Conn: Information Age Pub. Holmes, M. (1998). The reformation of Canadas schools: Breaking the barriers to parental choice. Montreal: McGill-Queens University Press. Shan, W., & Su, J. (2014). China and international investment law: Twenty years of ICSID membership. Leiden ; Boston : Brill Nijhoff. Velde, C. (2009). International perspectives on competence in the workplace: Implications for research, policy and practice. Dordrecht: Springer. Read More