Change and Development: A Study of the Society in Bshan, Yunnan

Author: Zhang Xiaojiong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-10-01
Features: This book examines the comprehensive transformation process of the () in terms of social politics, livelihood methods, cultural concepts, village community economy, poverty alleviation and development, and points out that: after the establishment of the People's Republic of China, the transformation of the's social politics and livelihood culture was largely a result of state and government actions rather than self-developed outcomes of modernization. This state-directed planned transformation is the direct driving force behind the cultural changes in the society. While it led to the transformation of's social culture, it also affected the planning and objectives of the transformation to a certain extent due to insufficient understanding of's traditional culture. This resulted in obstacles in the integration and alignment between's traditional culture and externally introduced cultures during the transformation process, leading to rejection and resistance from certain groups within society due to their inability to fully accept the changes. The re-emergence of external authority outside the village community system, the persistence of traditional livelihood methods, and the revival and enthusiasm for traditional religious beliefs in society after the reform and opening-up reflect to some extent the tortuous process of cultural transformation in society since the establishment of the People's Republic of China. Summarizing the experience of the 50-year transformation and development of society and culture in under state guidance, and reviewing the problems and shortcomings in this process, will be beneficial in guiding the transformation and development of ethnic societies with a scientific development perspective. At the same time, it will also help ethnic societies gradually cultivate a rational and objective attitude toward their culture during the transformation and development process, stimulate the conscious development of their culture, and make cultural transformation a genuine driving force for the organic integration of ethnic societies with modern culture and society.