CULTURAL REVERSE

Cultural Reverse (文化反哺) emerged in the 1980s after China's reform and opening up, with the older generation learning from the younger generation across many fields. This two-volume set discusses this new academic concept and other aspects of Chinese inter-generational relations, including the younger generation's values, attitudes, behavior patterns, and the causes of cultural reverse. It will be a valuable resource for scholars of Chinese sociology and general readers interested in contemporary Chinese society.

Format: Paperback
Publication date: 13 June 2022
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS

The phenomenon of Cultural Reverse (文化反哺) emerged in the 1980s after China's reform and opening up, marking a significant shift in intergenerational relations. In this era of rapid social change, the older generation began to learn from the younger generation across various fields, reminiscent of the biological phenomenon of the old crow that keeps barking, fed by their children from ancient Chinese poetry. This two-volume set delves into this novel academic concept and explores other aspects of Chinese intergenerational relations.

In the first volume, the author provides an in-depth exploration of popular social science theories regarding generations, traces the history of Chinese intergenerational relationships, and conducts comprehensive focus group interviews with 77 families in mainland China. Through these interviews, the author examines the values, attitudes, behavior patterns, and significant differences between the younger generation and their ancestors.

The second volume of the set takes a deeper dive into the causes of cultural reverse, encompassing rapid social change, the influence of peer groups, and the impact of the media. The author then broadens the scope of analysis to discuss the complex interdependence and conflicts between the state, society, and youth. Drawing from a century of transformation, the author identifies this unique phenomenon as China Feeling, a one-place (fast-changing China) and one-time only (unrepeatable) occurrence.

This comprehensive set will be an invaluable resource for scholars of Chinese sociology and also for general readers interested in contemporary Chinese society. It sheds light on the evolving dynamics between generations and provides valuable insights into the complex social, cultural, and political landscape of China.

ISBN-13: 9781032335964