When the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child meets Confucianism: Chinese parents' understanding of children’s right to play

This study examines how Chinese parents in Shanghai understand and support children's right to play as defined by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Researchers surveyed 880 parents online and interviewed 11 others to explore their attitudes. The findings show that parents struggle to embrace play as a right because Confucian values and concerns about children's academic success and future competitiveness take priority. The study suggests parents need empowerment to better practice children's right to play within their cultural context.

Key points

• 880 parents surveyed and 11 interviewed in Shanghai about attitudes towards children's right to play
• Parents struggle to embrace and practise children's right to play as defined by UNCRC
• Concerns about children's future success and academic achievement are barriers to supporting play
• Confucian educational values heavily influence how Chinese parents prioritise children's time
• The study calls for empowering parents to practise children's right to play in culturally-sensitive ways

Limitations

The study captures parental attitudes but does not measure actual changes in children's play time or well-being outcomes. Findings are limited to Shanghai parents and may not represent all of China.