Chinese Society and its New Emerging Culture

• Published in: The Journal of contemporary China Vol. 17; no. 56; pp. 469 - 491
• Main Author: Faure, Guy Olivier
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis Group 01.08.2008; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Asian people; China; Chinese languages; Cultural change; Culture; Differentiation; Equality; Family roles; Peoples Republic of China; Radicalism; Social Change; Social Structure; Social values; Society; Studies; Urban areas; China
• DOI: 10.1080/10670560802000233
• ISSN: 1067-0564

China has gone through major changes during the last two decades. The following research aims to present and analyze the current evolutions taking place in the less visible stratum of the Chinese social structure, that of values. The study is based on in-depth interviews and brings to the fore a number of themes that have undergone radical changes. Among the 220 analytical categories initially considered, 12 main themes have been identified as being strongly subjected to changes. Focusing on significant themes, such as a growing process of 'individuation', a materialistic orientation, a resurgence of ancient creeds, changes within the family, a shift in women's status, a transformation of role models, a social change from equality to differentiation, and a shift in the vision of the world, this article presents key indicators of the major trends in contemporary urban China.