Final answer:
Education is not considered a contributing element to the distinctiveness of Chinese society; language, religion, and ethnicity are significant factors that define a society's unique characteristics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The element that is not considered a contributing element to the distinctiveness of Chinese society among the options provided is education. Language, religion, and ethnicity are all significant factors that contribute to the distinctiveness of any society, including Chinese society. This stems from language being a strong identifier of culture, religion often marking ethnic identity, and ethnicity shaping people's socialization and views on politics and government. However, education itself, while important, is not a unique contributor to the distinctiveness of Chinese society; it's a universal aspect that facilitates the transmission of culture and skills but doesn't define the culture's distinctiveness.