To read this content please select one of the options below:

$40.00 (excl. tax) 30 days to view and download

Intergenerational transmission or cultural loss? The continuity of ethnic identity among the Yao minority in China

Binyao Ning, Rosmini Omar, Ye Ye

Qualitative Research Journal

ISSN: 1443-9883

Article publication date: 14 January 2025

31

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the intergenerational transmission of ethnic culture among the Yao minority in China, focusing on how rapid societal changes and modernization impact cultural identity maintenance. The research seeks to understand the perspectives of different generations of Yao individuals regarding their traditional culture, external influences and ethnic identity. The study aims to identify factors that facilitate or hinder cultural transmission, assess the effectiveness of current cultural preservation efforts and uncover potential strategies for maintaining ethnic identity in a rapidly changing society. Additionally, the research investigates the role of traditional elements, such as ethnic clothing, in connecting younger generations to their cultural heritage.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a qualitative approach using grounded theory methodology to explore the intergenerational transmission of Yao ethnic culture in China. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 Yao individuals representing different generations. Participants were purposively selected from two Yao villages in southern China. Data collection also included researcher observations and memos. Interviews were conducted in Chinese, translated to English and analyzed using NVivo12 software. The analysis followed the grounded theory approach of open, axial and selective coding. Triangulation was achieved through discussions with participants' peers and family members. Ethical considerations included obtaining informed consent, ensuring participant anonymity and securing institutional review board approval.

Findings

The study revealed three distinct generational attitudes towards Yao culture: rejection among older generations, semi-openness in middle-aged groups and initiated closeness in younger generations. Despite government policies supporting population growth, ethnic identity is not effectively transmitted across generations. Economic disparities between Yao communities and external society significantly influence cultural preservation, with younger generations prioritizing economic opportunities over traditional practices. However, traditional Yao clothing emerged as a potential link between younger individuals and their cultural heritage, offering a promising avenue for cultural preservation. The research also highlighted the impact of education, technology and media on shaping attitudes towards traditional culture and external influences across different age groups.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into the cultural transmission within the Yao minority in China, a previously understudied ethnic group. It uniquely examines the interplay between economic development, government policies and intergenerational attitudes in shaping ethnic identity maintenance. The research reveals an unexpected potential for traditional clothing to serve as a bridge between younger generations and their cultural heritage, offering a fresh perspective on cultural preservation strategies. By identifying distinct generational attitudes towards cultural identity, this study contributes valuable knowledge to the fields of ethnic studies, cultural anthropology and social psychology, while also informing policymaking for minority cultural preservation in rapidly modernizing societies.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

We sincerely thank the anonymous reviewers for their valuable feedback and suggestions, which have helped improve the quality of this manuscript.

Citation

Ning, B., Omar, R. and Ye, Y. (2025), "Intergenerational transmission or cultural loss? The continuity of ethnic identity among the Yao minority in China", Qualitative Research Journal, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/QRJ-09-2024-0193

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

Related articles