Full Description
What does it mean to be young in a country that is changing so fast? What does it mean to be young in a place ruled by one Party, during a time of intense globalization and exposure to different cultures?
This fascinating and informative book explores the lives of Chinese youth and examines their experiences, the ways in which they are represented in the media, and their interactions with old and, especially, new media. The authors describe and analyze complex entanglements among family, school, workplace and the state, engaging with the multiplicity of Chinese youth cultures. Their case studies include, among others, the romantic fantasies articulated by pop idols in TV dramas in contrast with young students working hard for their entrance exams and dream careers.
This book will be essential reading for students and scholars of youth culture, the sociology of youth and China studies more broadly. By showing how Chinese youth negotiate these regimes by carving out their own temporary spaces - from becoming a goldfarmer in a virtual economy to performing as a cosplayer - this book ultimately poses the question: Will the current system be able to accommodate this rapidly increasing diversity?
Contents
Map
Chronology
Acknowledgements
Introduction: Youth in China
No More Revolution
Youth Scapes
Changing Youth Values
The Chapters
Creative Warfare
Chapter 1: Youth and Power: Education, Family, and the State
Introduction
Political Values and Party Membership
Family and Familism
Pedagogy and Education
Conclusion
Chapter 2: Dressing up the Future: Chinese Youth Today
Introduction
Global Inauthenticities
Fashion Styles
Sonic Styles
Digital Styles
Conclusion
Chapter 3: Localization of Regional Culture
Introduction
Localizing TV format from without
Regional TV Formats and Class Re-imagination
Running Man: The Turn to Gamification
Popular Music and Fandom
The Chinese AKB48: irrelevance to politics
TFBoys and Korean Imagination
Conclusion
Chapter 4 Chinese Heteronormativity and Its Discontents
Introduction
Chinese Genders?
Heteronormative Aspirations I: Survey Findings
Heteronormative Aspirations II: Media Representations
Unsettling Heteronormativity I: Romance Comedy
Unsettling Heteronormativity II: Queer China
Unsettling Heteronormativity III: Sex and Feminism
Conclusion
Chapter 5: Mobility, Marginalization and Desire
Introduction
Migrant Youth, Representation and Desire
Migrant Youth as Media Producers
Migrant Youth and New Media Technologies
Gaming and Immaterial Labour
Goldfarming versus Farming
From Village to Art Village: New Spaces and Mobility
Conclusion
Conclusion: Youth and Hope
References
