The rice culture of the Zhuang ethnic group: Patterns of social relations and changes in Yunnan Province, China
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Abstract
The research on the rice culture of the Zhuang ethnic group, patterns of social relations, and changes in Yunnan Province, China, aims to study 1) the patterns of social relations in the rice culture of the Zhuang ethnic group in Yunnan Province, and 2) the social and cultural changes affecting the rice culture of the Zhuang ethnic group in Yunnan Province. This is qualitative research, using the concepts of social and cultural change and structural-functionalist theory as the main research framework. The target group consisted of 19 people, selected by quota and purposive sampling. Data was analyzed inductively, and research results were presented descriptively.
The research findings indicate that: 1) The patterns of social relationships in the rice culture of the Zhuang ethnic group in Yunnan Province reflect a restructuring from multi-generational families to nuclear households, with women and youth playing increasingly important roles. Community governance demonstrates a pluralistic management approach through village committees, agricultural cooperatives, and traditional leaders. Networks of assistance and knowledge transfer persist alongside new economic and technological mechanisms. And 2) Social and cultural changes impacting rice culture are evident through economic development and mechanization, the migration of young people, and modern lifestyles. Such development has led to shifts in production methods and labor relations. Rituals have adapted in form while retaining their essence. Although the transmission of culture faces risks of discontinuity, new opportunities arise through education, cultural tourism, government policies, and digital media.
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