Ethnic Cultural Preservation of Tujia Society in the Native Language Retention Area (A Study of Pojiao Community)

Author: Liu Lunwen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: This book is a monograph on the social culture of the Tujia ethnic group in language-retaining areas. Based on field research data and historical documents, the author comprehensively applies theories from cultural anthropology, ethnology, and sociology, using the bilingual Tujia community of Pojiao as a case study. It provides a relatively complete overview of the basic characteristics and changing trends of Tujia social culture in language-retaining areas. The book also offers sociological and anthropological interpretations of the common and unique aspects of Tujia social culture. Furthermore, it explores reflections on how to understand the social and cultural changes of ethnic minority communities and promote their healthy development. This book is a monograph on the social culture of the Tujia ethnic group in language-retaining areas, based on field research data and historical documents, comprehensively applying theories from cultural anthropology, ethnology, and sociology, using the bilingual Tujia community of Pojiao as a case study. It provides a relatively complete overview of the basic characteristics and changing trends of Tujia social culture in language-retaining areas, and offers sociological and anthropological interpretations of the common and unique aspects of Tujia social culture. Building on this foundation, it explores reflections on how to understand the social and cultural changes of ethnic minority communities and promote their healthy development. The book is divided into ten chapters:
Chapter 1 elaborates on the background, purpose, significance, research methods, previous studies, research approach, innovations, and main issues of the study.
Chapter 2 provides a detailed description of the geographical location, ecological environment, historical development, village layout, and characteristics of the Pojiao community. Pojiao is located in the southeastern mountainous region of Longshan County, Hunan Province, and is a typical bilingual Tujia and Han community. With over 6,500 residents, the community is spread across 26 villages, primarily inhabited by the Tujia clans of Peng, Tian, and Xiang. A small number of mixed clans and other ethnic groups, such as Han and Miao, also reside there, forming a multi-ethnic community with Tujia as the dominant group.
Chapter 3 describes and analyzes the demographic changes in the Pojiao community, including gender composition, age structure, cultural composition, occupational structure, and population dynamics. The gender ratio in Pojiao is severely imbalanced, with a high dependency ratio but sufficient labor force. The population growth is expected to stabilize in the future. The community has a low level of education, with a high proportion of illiterate or semi-illiterate individuals, and a low degree of occupational differentiation, with agriculture being the dominant occupation. In recent years, under the impact of uneven development and modernization, large-scale labor migration has become a prominent feature of Pojiao's demographic changes, also serving as a key variable driving social and cultural transformations.
Chapter 4 describes and analyzes the economic structure of the Tujia in Pojiao, covering the development of agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and side industries. It examines the reasons for labor migration and its positive impact on the community's economic life. Through typical surveys of households with varying income levels, the author identifies land resources, labor, side industries, and education as the main variables affecting household economics. These factors, in different combinations, contribute to the wealth disparities in the community.
Chapter 5 studies the daily life and consumption patterns of the Tujia in Pojiao, providing a detailed account of changes in food, clothing, housing, and other aspects of consumption. It focuses on the social and cultural significance of ceremonial consumption and large expenditures. Influenced by traditional consumption habits and income levels, consumption in Pojiao remains largely self-sufficient, but commercial consumption is rapidly increasing. Commercial consumption primarily involves purchasing agricultural inputs such as pesticides, fertilizers, seeds, and plastic film, as well as clothing and daily necessities. Many families have also acquired durable goods such as televisions, large furniture, and home grain mills. Cumulative expenditures on social occasions, weddings, housing, funerals, and education are significant, with costs continuously rising, causing financial pressure. However, many residents rely on accumulated savings from social exchanges to cover these expenses. Without substantial social obligations, the social functioning of the Tujia community would be difficult to maintain.
Chapter 6 examines the social structure of the Pojiao Tujia community, focusing on the interweaving of blood ties, geographical proximity, and administrative relationships. Through analysis of field research data and the 2000 population census, the chapter reveals the types and characteristics of Tujia family structures, average family size, family life cycles, and the social functions of families. It also describes and analyzes changes in marriage patterns, rules, ages, and distances in Pojiao. The chapter further explores the roles of patrilineal kinship, matrilineal kinship, geographical proximity, and administrative relationships in the family-centered differential structure, deepening the understanding of the underlying principles of Tujia grassroots society. In the Pojia Tujia society, blood ties and geographical proximity are closely intertwined, with patrilineal kinship forming the core framework of social relationships. Matrilineal kinship extends geographically, ensuring the continuation of patrilineal ties. Administrative relationships serve as a third layer of social interaction, playing an increasingly significant role in the community's functioning. Under conditions of rising nuclear family prevalence and increased population mobility, the influence of these three relationships on individuals is undergoing subtle changes.
Chapter 7 describes and analyzes the life rituals of the Tujia in Pojiao. By examining several typical transitional rituals from birth to death, the chapter explores how Tujia individuals shape their social roles at different life stages, or how social individuals are structured into social members, thereby achieving social succession. Through rituals such as the "moon-watching" ceremony, weddings, birthday celebrations, and funerals, it becomes evident that the Tujia define social members and assign them roles to achieve social identity and integration.
Chapter 8 describes and analyzes the current state of religious beliefs and spiritual life among the Tujia in Pojiao. The Tujia divide the world into two realms: the real and the supernatural. The real world is a tangible, objective reality composed of people and objects, while the supernatural world is a virtual realm of deities. Both realms have their respective places, forming a world order. Uncertain factors in the real world that disrupt individuals are attributed to the supernatural world.
Chapter 9 describes and analyzes the history and current state of Tujia language usage and inheritance. The author argues that the Tujia language is now endangered, with only tens of thousands of speakers remaining.
Chapter 10 concludes by summarizing the basic conditions and main driving forces behind the social and cultural changes of the Tujia in Pojiao.