Two countries leading the path of industrialization are China and the United States. Although these two powers show similar traits, the childhood of residents is near polar opposites. In the American education system, schools approach education in a creative way, encouraging students to think outside the box and develop skills to approach complicated situations. On the other hand, the Chinese education system presents a more rigid and tactical education, cultivating logical and critical thinking skills. The differences between upbringings are ultimately influenced by the culture of each country and the education style of schools.

The culture of America vastly differs from the culture of China, and so the environments of the child will be different. In America, the early development of the child is primarily focused on the individual, allowing children to have more developed emotions and preferences. Hence, children raised in America are more likely to develop traits such as empathy and emotional awareness of others and themselves. On the other hand, Chinese childhood development is more focused on working as a collective, allowing children to develop problem-solving skills at an early age that can cater to others’ weaknesses. In addition, a study by Qi Wang, a professor at Cornell University, stated that when talking about a personal experience with their child, Chinese mothers tended to ask questions concerning behavior and morality. This, in a way, stresses the importance of interactions with others and public image over individuality.

These cultural ideals also translate into education. The education differs between the two countries as the Chinese education system provides a rigorous but effective way to teach students skills such as math and science. In classes, children follow a strict no-calculator rule from elementary to high school. Through this, students are able to improve their mental math, as well as increase speed and efficiency while performing in academics. This learning style improves comprehensive thinking and helps students retain concepts learned in school. In American education, students are not only assessed by their ability to perform well but how they perform. They are observed for creativity and leadership with respect to their assignments, which helps with independence and self-determination.

Regardless of the education style of each country, both show success with their methods. Thus, it is hard to say the education styles and success rates of each are comparable as they both approach the same problems differently. Therefore, the childhoods of the children may differ, but they still are a reflection of the fact that America and China’s distinct education systems and cultures cultivate young minds in incredible ways.