Modernization as Lived Experiences

This book explores the unique experiences of youth in post-Mao China through three generations, highlighting their evolving views on gender, education, and aspirations amid rapid cultural and social changes.

Modernization as Lived Experiences explores the unique experiences of youth in post-Mao China during a period of significant transformation. The book adopts a culturally and contextually sensitive approach, examining how childhood and youth have evolved over three generations. By comparing the experiences of young individuals with those of their parents and grandparents, the author sheds light on the complexities of growing up in a rapidly changing society.

The analysis is grounded in life-history interviews conducted with young men and women in their final year of upper secondary school, alongside their parents and grandparents. This multi-generational perspective allows for a comprehensive exploration of various aspects of youth life, including intergenerational relationships, education, future aspirations, and issues of gender and sexuality. The narratives presented highlight the interrelated nature of these experiences and how they have been shaped by historical and cultural contexts.

Through rich ethnographic details and personal stories, the book paints a broader picture of the social and cultural dynamics at play in contemporary China. It provides valuable insights into the evolution of gender and sexuality over nearly a century, revealing a distinct maximization desire among the younger generation, contrasting sharply with the experiences of their predecessors. This work is not only relevant for academic audiences but also offers engaging content for anyone interested in understanding the social and cultural transformations occurring in China today.