Examining the Chinese English Education “Rat Race” through the Lens of Social Darwinism

Abstract

“Rat Race” is the translation of the Chinese slang term “Juan”, which alludes the widespread English education anxiety in China. The term is coined against the backdrop of limited high-quality English educational resources and mirrors drastic internal competition among Chinese students. While Social Darwinism, with its principle of “natural selection and survival of the fittest”, suggests that competition is an essential factor in society and individuals are supposed to stand out from the group. Despite its drawbacks, this theory is still able to reflect China’s current English education phenomenon. This paper delves into the circumstance of “rat race” from the perspective of Social Darwinism and analyzes the effects and implications of the “rat race”. Based on the data that released by the Chinese Ministry of English education, the reality of Chinese English education “rat race” is gradually exposed. These findings echo complicated reasons and consequences of “rat race”. More specifically, this kind of competition undoubtedly unveil the impediments of English education system, economic depression and stereotyped standpoints, Some scholars studied the occasion of “rat race”, but they only unravel reasons or suggestions toward such dilemma. Thus, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive standpoint of “rat race” and explore new search ideas as well as giving policy suggestions.