Traditionalization as a response to state-induced development in rural Tibetan areas of Qinghai, PRC

0508506 - OÚ 2020 RIV GB eng J - Journal Article
Ptáčková, Jarmila
Traditionalization as a response to state-induced development in rural Tibetan areas of Qinghai, PRC.
Central Asian Survey. Roč. 38, č. 3 (2019), s. 417-431. ISSN 0263-4937. E-ISSN 1465-3354
Grant - others:AV ČR(CZ) LQ300211901
Program: Prémie Lumina quaeruntur
Institutional support: RVO:68378009
Keywords : cultural security * Modernization * Qinghai * rural Tibetan areas * state-induced development * traditionalization
OECD category: Sociology
Impact factor: 0.648, year: 2019
Method of publishing: Limited access
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02634937.2019.1635990

The current state-induced and top-down-implemented development and modernization of the predominantly rural areas of western China can be perceived as a clear demonstration of Chinese power in Tibetan areas, resulting in the repression of expressions of minority culture. This article argues that the local population’s various practices of traditionalization, as demonstrated through an emphasis on the maintenance or (re)invention of representative cultural forms can be understood as efforts to counteract the socio-economic and cultural assimilation measures or even as a form of political resistance. At the same time, in the context of the economic opportunities brought on by the rapid development, in tourism for example, traditionalization has become an important economic asset for both the state and local Tibetans. These (revived) traditions could enhance cultural awareness among visitors to minority areas and strengthen local people’s sense of cultural security and their self-understanding as Tibetans.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0301837