Red Creative: Culture and Modernity in China

Shanghai has used culture as a major spur to its ambitions to become a global city, but its modernization has challenged western-centric notions of development. This book explores the debates on the 'separation and 'convergence of culture and economy in a context in which the framework of 'Euro-modernity is being increasingly challenged.

Format: Hardback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Shanghai, as China's foremost economic metropolis and the epitome of Westernization in the past two decades, has strategically harnessed culture as a driving force in its quest to establish itself as a global city. This groundbreaking book is the first comprehensive exploration of how diverse cultural economy strategies have been formulated and implemented within the context of Chinese urban landscapes. However, Shanghai's modernization, often characterized as a race to catch up with the West, has gained momentum and trajectory that is beginning to challenge the Western-centric notions of development. While the inherent connections between capitalism and liberal democracy have been somewhat acknowledged, the pursuit of cultural economy policies has received less attention in terms of their role in defining global modernity. This book actively engages in the ongoing discussions surrounding the "separation" and "convergence" of culture and economy within a context where the framework of "Euro-modernity" is being increasingly challenged.

The book delves into the intricate dynamics between culture and economy, exploring how they shape each other and contribute to the development of cities. It examines the historical roots and evolution of cultural economy policies in Shanghai, highlighting their role in shaping the city's identity and promoting its global appeal. The book also analyzes the challenges and opportunities that arise from the interplay between culture and economy, including issues such as cultural heritage preservation, creative industries, and urban regeneration.

Through a multidisciplinary approach, the book draws on insights from economics, sociology, cultural studies, and urban planning to provide a comprehensive understanding of the cultural economy in Shanghai. It employs a range of empirical evidence, including case studies, surveys, and policy documents, to illustrate the complexities and nuances of cultural economy strategies. The book aims to contribute to the ongoing debates on the role of culture in shaping urban development and the challenges faced by cities in the globalized world.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of urban studies by providing a comprehensive exploration of the cultural economy in Shanghai. It sheds light on the complex interplay between culture and economy, challenging traditional notions of development and offering new insights into the dynamics of urban transformation. By engaging with the debates on the "separation" and "convergence" of culture and economy, the book contributes to the broader discourse on the future of cities and the role of culture in shaping their destiny.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780415714075