Integration of Confucianism in the US Education - Essay Example

During the era, conflicts and great chaos occurred, which were meant to determine the most appropriate way to maintain order within the society as well as strengthen the governance system.

According to Confucius, a good governance system should have high respect for traditions and age, encourage group efforts, and appreciate a hierarchy of control and morality. He acknowledged the need for social harmony and orderliness in social activities. This would only be achieved if every person acknowledges his social rank and behaves according to his rank. This is based on his phrase “A place for everyone and everyone in his place”. In this regard, Confucius developed an interdependent relationship structure that had lower-rank individuals give obedience to their colleagues in the higher ranks. In addition, he also introduced a horizontal relationship system characterized by great trust between family members and friends. This led to great regard for age and authority in society (Yong, 18).

Integration of Confucianism in the education system would ensure that students highly respect age and authority, strengthen their family and friendship ties; ensure politeness within the society (Yong, 18). Secondly, Confucianism advocates for “collectivism” which is evidenced in modern Chinese society today, compared to the “individualism” of western society. Group membership and collective operation of individuals are usually in terms of their families, their community, clan, and ultimately their nation. This ensures modesty and humility. If integrated into the U.S. education system it ensures that students learn the importance of humility and social responsibility resulting in the well-being of the entire society (Yong, 18).

Confucianism additionally holds high regard for scholarship knowledge, integrity, and education. The meritocracy resulted in the introduction of the written imperial examination system. Anyone who proved worth and passed this examination was allowed to be a government official. Confucius’ philosophy on education was that social harmony would be achieved if availed to all people irrespective of their financial backgrounds (Yong, 19). This led to the introduction of the state system of education where all students were able to get admission to private schools.

Unlike the western schools, the students would learn more from classical materials and are not expected to demonstrate mastery of the subject matter, or the ability to theorize or challenge a given premise. Integration of Confucianism in the U.S. system also provides all students with an opportunity to acquire the same levels of education, and also ensures everyone has an equal and fair opportunity to succeed in life (Yong, 19).

In conclusion, there exist several success stories that associate economic growth and development in countries that have adopted Confucianism. These countries include Singapore, Japan, South Korea Taiwan, and Malaysia. Additionally, Vietnam has achieved fast re-development, despite facing Vietnam War a few decades ago. However, the U.S. education system should put into consideration criticisms of Confucianism like gender discrimination and oppression of women (Yong, 19).