Frontier Fieldwork: Building a Nation in China's Borderlands, 1919-45

Frontier Fieldwork explores the work of social scientists, agriculturists, photographers, students, and missionaries who took to the field on China's southwestern border in the early twentieth century to unite a disparate, multi-ethnic population. It demonstrates the transformative power of their efforts, which went beyond creating new forms of political action and identity, and placed China's margins at the center of its nation-making process and race to modernity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 198 pages
Publication date: 08 September 2022
Publisher: University of British Columbia Press

Frontier Fieldwork delves into the captivating endeavors of social scientists, agriculturists, photographers, students, and missionaries who ventured into the southwestern border of China during a pivotal period when foreign political powers were actively challenging China's territorial claims. In the early 20th century, as the specter of imperialism loomed large in the Sino-Tibetan borderlands, these fieldworkers embarked on a mission of nation-building, seeking to unite a diverse and multiethnic population situated at the country's periphery. They viewed themselves as pioneers, foreshadowing the social development and intervention policies that would later emerge during the Cold War decades. By drawing upon both Chinese and Western sources, Andres Rodriguez unveils the profound impact of these fieldworkers' endeavors, which extended far beyond the realm of creating new political actions and identities. His insightful study underscores the pivotal role that fieldwork played in placing China's margins at the very heart of its nation-making process and its relentless pursuit of modernity.

Introduction:
Frontier Fieldwork offers a captivating exploration into the work of social scientists, agriculturists, photographers, students, and missionaries who ventured into the southwestern border of China during a period of intense geopolitical contention. In the early 20th century, as foreign political powers sought to assert their influence over China's territorial claims, these fieldworkers undertook a remarkable mission of nation-building. Their efforts not only aimed to unite a diverse and multiethnic population but also played a crucial role in shaping China's identity and its pursuit of modernity.

The Mission of Nation-Building:
The fieldworkers who ventured into the southwestern border of China during this period saw themselves as a vanguard force, driven by a vision of social development and intervention. They recognized the importance of uniting a disparate and multiethnic population, which had been fragmented by centuries of conflict and migration. They believed that by undertaking fieldwork, they could contribute to the creation of a stronger and more cohesive nation.

The Role of Fieldwork:
Fieldwork played a pivotal role in the nation-building process in China. The fieldworkers gathered firsthand information about the local communities, their customs, traditions, and livelihoods. They conducted surveys, collected data, and analyzed patterns of social and economic change. This information helped them develop strategies for social development and intervention that would address the needs and aspirations of the local population.

The Impact of Fieldwork:
The impact of fieldwork was far-reaching and transformative. Through their efforts, the fieldworkers not only created new forms of political action and identity but also helped to place China's margins at the center of its nation-making process. They challenged the dominant narratives of imperialism and colonialism, which had sought to marginalize and control China's periphery. By highlighting the unique experiences and perspectives of the local population, the fieldworkers contributed to a broader understanding of China's history and culture.

Conclusion:
Frontier Fieldwork provides a valuable insight into the work of social scientists, agriculturists, photographers, students, and missionaries who ventured into the southwestern border of China during a period of intense geopolitical contention. Through their dedication and commitment, these fieldworkers played a crucial role in shaping China's identity and its pursuit of modernity. Their efforts continue to inspire and influence contemporary debates about nation-building, social development, and intervention.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780774867559