The View of Children Since the May Fourth Movement: Historical Evolution and Reflections

The view of children is the general attitude towards children and their value. The formation of the view of children is shaped by its specific social context and influenced by the advanced Western culture and view of children. During the 100-year development since the May Fourth Movement, the evolution of the view of children in China has undergone the pendulum of development and finally towards stable, including five stages:first, before the May Fourth Movement, children were viewed as "tools" and personal property, reflecting the "family-oriented" view of children in that period. Second, from the May Fourth Movement to the founding of the People's Republic of China, the advanced Western thoughts had brought the "child-oriented" view of children to China. Third, from the founding of People's Republic of China to the Reform and Opening Up, children had been viewed as an important promoting force of socialism. Fourth, since the Reform and Opening Up to the end of the 20th century, preschool education had ushered in a new spring, with the "re-discovery" of children and the reborn of "child-oriented" view. Fifth, since the beginning of the 21st century, the social progress has promoted the development of the modern connotation of "child-oriented" view. Key words:May Fourth Movement; the view of children; children; child-orientation