Religion, Ethnicity, and Gender in Western Hunan during the Modern Era: The Dao among the Miao?

This book explores how beliefs and practices have shaped the interactions between different ethnic groups in Western Hunan,as well as how religious life has adapted to the challenges of modern Chinese history. It focuses on the roles played by ritual specialists and challenges conventional wisdom about the 'standardization of Chinese culture' and the integration of local society into the state.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate tapestry of beliefs and practices that have shaped the complex interactions between diverse ethnic groups in the vibrant region of Western Hunan, while also exploring the remarkable ways in which religious life has adapted to the challenges of modern Chinese history. Through a meticulous combination of historical and ethnographic methodologies, the chapters in this book are organized around the transformative changes that have occurred during the interplay between Miao ritual traditions and religions like Daoism, with a special emphasis on the shared characteristics and distinct differences observed between Western Hunan and other parts of Southwest China. Furthermore, an in-depth investigation is conducted to examine how gender and ethnicity have played pivotal roles in these processes, shedding light on broader questions of modern Chinese history. By shifting the focus away from the traditional narratives that have emphasized the influence of state policies and elite agendas, this study offers a fresh perspective on Western Hunan, highlighting the roles played by ritual specialists in shaping the region's cultural landscape. These groundbreaking findings challenge prevailing notions about the 'standardization of Chinese culture' and challenge the notion of local society's seamless integration into the state through written texts.

Religion, Ethnicity, and Gender in Western Hunan during the Modern Era is a groundbreaking work that will be of immense value to students and scholars engaged in the fields of history, ethnography, anthropology, ethnic studies, and Asian studies. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between religion, ethnicity, and gender in this region during the modern era, offering valuable insights into the historical, social, and cultural processes that have shaped its development.

The book begins by providing a historical overview of Western Hunan, highlighting the region's rich cultural heritage and its historical significance as a crossroads of different ethnic groups. It then delves into the intricate relationship between Miao ritual traditions and religions like Daoism, exploring how these traditions have evolved and adapted to the changing social and political landscape of modern China.

One of the key themes of the book is the impact of gender and ethnicity on the interactions between different ethnic groups in Western Hunan. The authors argue that gender and ethnicity have played a crucial role, shaping not only the religious practices and beliefs of individuals but also the broader social and cultural dynamics of the region. They explore how gender roles have been defined and enforced, how ethnic identity has been constructed and contested, and how these processes have influenced the formation of religious communities and the transmission of religious knowledge.

The authors also examine the ways in which religious life has adapted to the challenges of modern Chinese history. They explore how religious institutions have responded to the pressures of state policies, social change, and economic development, and how they have sought to maintain their relevance and influence in the face of these challenges. They also consider how religious practices and beliefs have been transformed by the impact of globalization, urbanization, and technological advancements, and how these changes have impacted the social and cultural dynamics of the region.

Throughout the book, the authors employ a rich array of ethnographic methodologies, including participant observation, interviews, and archival research, to gather data and insights into the lives of individuals and communities in Western Hunan. These methodologies allow the authors to capture the depth and complexity of the cultural and religious practices of the region, providing a nuanced and empathetic understanding of the experiences and perspectives of the people they study.

One of the strengths of the book is its interdisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from a wide range of fields, including history, anthropology, sociology, and religious studies. This approach allows the authors to provide a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the complex relationships between religion, ethnicity, and gender in Western Hunan, and to offer valuable insights into the broader context of modern Chinese history.

In conclusion, Religion, Ethnicity, and Gender in Western Hunan during the Modern Era is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the complex interplay between religion, ethnicity, and gender in this region during the modern era. By combining historical and ethnographic methodologies and drawing on a wide range of interdisciplinary insights, the authors provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the historical, social, and cultural processes that have shaped the development of Western Hunan. This book will be of immense value to students and scholars engaged in the fields of history, anthropology, ethnic studies, and Asian studies, and will contribute to our understanding of the broader context of modern Chinese history.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032066448