NCJ Number
111594
Journal
Chinese Education Volume: 19 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1986) Pages: 45-62
Date Published
1986
Length
18 pages
Annotation
In the People's Republic of China, work-study schools provide an excellent means for educating and reforming students who have committed crimes of a minor nature.
Abstract
Visits to eight such schools showed that they were well run and were making much headway in reforming the ideologies of the students. The schools employ 236 teachers and other staff for 244 students. The schools run factories, farms, orchards, and greenhouses. Extracurricular activities are rich and varied. Room and board are of better quality than in regular high schools. In the schools, students are able to increase their knowledge, raise their consciousness, strengthen concepts of law and morality, and discard bad habits. An analysis of causal factors underlying the delinquency of these work-study students emphasizes the importance of family influences. The majority had been involved in stealing or robbery, usually in gangs. Most were between 13 and 15 years old at the time of their first offense. Family disruption, poor family education, parental criminality, and poor parental control were common. Other factors associated with delinquency included improper education methods, abnormal social atmosphere, and influences of bad friends. Love for these children, coupled with discipline, emulation drives, and education in collectivism during the work-study experience have proven a crucible for the reform and salvation of these youth. Those who have been graduated have done well, and most have shown outstanding school performance while in the program. 10 tables.