Probably a bit of both. The "study" mentality seems to go back to their fuedal period, but it also is kinda of misguided commie-poverty mentality about it.

The Chinese were very hung up on level of educational achievement as a way to be like "I'm not poor or ignorant"... But probably less so now, that they've kinda caught up.

I'd add, the problem is the "study" mentality is so ingrained, that even though they know it's a problem, they can't opt out, because it's like a race they all have to run.

Probably a bit of both. The "study" mentality seems to go back to their fuedal period, but it also is kinda of misguided commie-poverty mentality about it.

The Chinese were very hung up on level of educational achievement as a way to be like "I'm not poor or ignorant"... But probably less so now, that they've kinda caught up.