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Little Emperor Syndrome in Contemporary Chinese Children Literature

  • The Journal of Chinese Cultural Studies
  • 2011, (18), pp.5-28
  • DOI : 10.18212/cccs.2011..18.001
  • Publisher : The Society For Chinese Cultural Studies
  • Research Area : Humanities > Chinese Language and Literature > Chinese Literature > Chinese Culture

Song yun ok 1

1수원과학대

Candidate

ABSTRACT

The 'One-Child Policy' implemented by the Chinese government since the 1980s has caused “Little Emperor Syndrome" (小皇帝-xiao huang di), which results from the child's sole command of the attention of their parents. China's economic growth around the same time also greatly increased the amount of money parents spent on their children, which resulted in a variety of themes for children literature. When examining "Little Emperor Syndrome" and the trend in contemporary chinese children literature, there are some differences between the children literature of China and that of other countries : Firstly, we can see many "Friendly Daddy" characters in Chinese children literature. This reflects China's children-focused atmosphere and the ideal role of fathers in China. It also shows the emphasis on the father's role to solve the problem of excess males in China. Secondly, twin characters, step-siblings from remarriage and characters having very close friendships among only children frequently appear in Chinese children literature to supplement the absence of siblings. Thirdly, we see many cheerful main characters who are not easily seen in the real school circumstances. Although these characters are not good at studying and don't have any special skills, they are warm-hearted and thoughtful. Little Emperors, having the heavy burden of academic expectation, get a vicarious thrill by seeing these characters do what they themselves cannot do in the oppressive reality. Also fantasy and humor can be very comforting for them and this is why fantasy and humor genres are the general trend in contemporary Chinese children literature. Fourthly, we can see many children novels published in a serial form. Many of them have a separate plot in each volume and are published as an expanded series up to dozens of volumes. These long stories can include various real life situations and detailed descriptions of the characters, which enables children readers to feel like making friends with the story characters. The great success of the series in children literature shows that Little Emperors have the purchasing power to enjoy their own cultures and that many excellent writers have the ability to meet their readers' expectations.

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