著者

韓 雪 長谷川 智子 外山 紀子

出版者

公益社団法人 日本心理学会

雑誌

心理学研究 (ISSN:00215236)

巻号頁・発行日

vol.93, no.3, pp.177-187, 2022 (Released:2022-08-25)

参考文献数

26

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There are cultural differences in childcare practices in preschools, reflecting beliefs and values about children, childcare, and education. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed normally hidden cultural, ethnic, and historical issues. Mealtime is particularly restricted by droplet spread of COVID-19. Cultural differences in thoughts related to meals became evident in the response to this critical situation caused by the pandemic. This study examined how preschool mealtime has changed due to COVID-19 in Japan and China. A questionnaire survey was conducted from September 2020 to January 2021. This study included 191 Japanese preschools and 179 Chinese preschools. Various infection countermeasures were taken and mealtime practices changed drastically in both countries. In Japan, preschool mealtime is regarded as a socially essential event, for example, chatting while eating; whereas in China, nutrition and hygiene are considered more important. Possibly, because of such differences in mealtime conceptions, the impact of the spread of COVID-19 appeared to be substantial in Japan compared to China. Based on the obtained results, cultural differences in preschool education were discussed.