“A Looking-glass Self”: An Ethnographic Case Study of Student Wellbeing in a Chinese Secondary School

There has been increased interest in research internationally on the topic of student wellbeing. Student wellbeing encompasses all psychological, cognitive, social, and physical functioning that contributes to a meaningful life. However, different cultural groups tend to have different interpretations of “a meaningful life.” This research provides an ethnographic lens to interpret how Chinese secondary students define “a meaningful life.” It aims to provide an in-depth description and analysis of the meaning(s) and the socio-cultural context that shapes the understandings of “a meaningful life.” It contributes to the global discussion on the values of education and how these might affect students’ wellbeing.