The Competition of Two Discourses: The Making of a New Ideology in China

With the transformation and development of Chinese society, it has become increasingly difficult to draw a clear picture of the political affiliation of the contemporary Chinese government. This thesis is intended, through detailed theoretical tracing, to develop the concept of “social ideology” so as to offer an in-depth analysis of contemporary China's dominant mentality. It is suggested that a dominant ideology has emerged that has totally restructured social organization and people's perception of everyday life. Furthermore, this thesis fully explores changes that have taken place in Beijing's primary schools and high schools over the past few years and shows how this new ideology has disrupted humane and civic education and brought the entire nation into a norm of instrumental mentality.