Chinese Culture Conflict Resolution Essay

Conflict resolution in Chinese societies is mainly based on Confucianism. The overriding principle of society is that the superior in a group is to be respected. When a conflict arises, Chinese will consider the nature of their relationship. Within a family structure, the superior should be obeyed, so a subordinating family member may have to be willing to sacrifice their own comfort or desire in order to maintain peace (Hwang, 1998). Sometimes a subordinating family member will simply change or forsake their original goal. In Chinese culture it is important for society to believe all is well in a family even if it is not (Hwang, 1998).
Chinese people typically consider themselves to have two selves. Their small self is composed of their own physical body, but their great self is the part they play in the single family unit (Hwang, 1998). It is vital to the family unit that the great self meets all moral or ethical requirements for his or her role. This must be an outward manifestation, even if one does not agree with what is required. The term “forbearance” (Hwang, 1998, p. 26) indicates that someone will suppress “a

differing opinion, emotion, desire, and psychological impulse” (Hwang, 1998, p. 26) in order to keep the peace within a family. Parents expect their children to mature in self-discipline (Lewis et al, 2005).
Conflicts occurring outside the family are handled based on the intimacy of the relationship. For some, avoidance is the easiest role. For conflicts that have not been resolved, Chinese may opt to be outwardly polite but treat each other with disrespect in private. The emphasis of keeping the peace with all, even if only superficially, is great in Chinese society.
The Chinese have a tradition of “36 tricks” involving manipulative methods of conflict resolution (Hwang, 1998). These methods involve dishonesty, making excuses, falsifying ailments, etc. By using these tactics, direct confrontation can be avoided and harmony is maintained. If no methods work, mediation is the last resort, and is used only when a threat of violence is present. A superior will decide how to handle the opposing sides.
Several implications of the Chinese culture on education are noteworthy.

First, Chinese teachers are less likely to use corporal punishment since clear, outward respect of authority is demanded throughout society. Second, teachers tend to remind students of proper behavior, discuss conflict resolution for specific problems, and include students in classroom management planning because there is already a cultural sense that the teacher must be obeyed (Lewis et al, 2005). Chinese teachers often use rewards and recognition as incentives. Since men have a higher role than women, female teachers are more likely to use harsher techniques with the older students. As boys become young men, their respect for other men outweighs the respect for women. Finally, Chinese teachers tend to have more support from parents than many other cultures (Lewis et al,

2005).
The required level of respect for authority is meant to save the face of public families, businesses, or other groups (Hwang, 1998). Peace on the outside is more important than genuine peace. In some ways, this makes education easier on the teacher; however, truthful, heartfelt conflict resolution is a much better goal. It may be hard for teachers to persuade students to tell them how they really feel since respect is always to be demonstrated outwardly.