Shifting sands : an ethnographic research within Hui Muslim communities in contemporary China
(2023) MKVM13 20231Media and Communication Studies
Department of Communication and Media
- Abstract
- This research examines the factors contributing to the diminishing Muslim identity among young Hui Muslims in China, particularly those with higher education, and the tensions and conflicts arising from these identity changes. Through a historical survey of Hui Muslims and ethnographic fieldwork in Yinchuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the study identifies both internal and external factors influencing the erosion of their Muslim identity. Internally, the family and community environment, which may be conservative or open, shape individuals' perceptions and attitudes. Externally, negative state-driven media representations play a role in hastening the process of Sinicization. The research also highlights that identity is a dynamic,... (More)
- This research examines the factors contributing to the diminishing Muslim identity among young Hui Muslims in China, particularly those with higher education, and the tensions and conflicts arising from these identity changes. Through a historical survey of Hui Muslims and ethnographic fieldwork in Yinchuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the study identifies both internal and external factors influencing the erosion of their Muslim identity. Internally, the family and community environment, which may be conservative or open, shape individuals' perceptions and attitudes. Externally, negative state-driven media representations play a role in hastening the process of Sinicization. The research also highlights that identity is a dynamic, contextual, and fluid process, with younger Hui experiencing different politico-social environments than their predecessors. This exposure influences their identity formation, leading them to be more rejective of Islamic practices and closer to mainstream values. The findings suggest that these shifts are influenced by the state's education and ethnic preferential policies. In navigating these changes, young Hui Muslims experience tensions and conflicts, especially those from conservative families who feel oppressed by internal community and family supervision. Female Hui Muslims faces additional challenges due to stricter family control and negative media portrayals. The research further uncovers stereotypes and cultural shocks faced by young Muslims, particularly related to dietary issues when away from their communities. The study emphasizes the role of stereotypes perpetuated by media frames in contributing to these challenges. Given the unique media environment and policies in China, negative stereotypes of Muslims deepen, resulting in Hui audience disengagement and resistance to media engagement. This research offers important insights into the complexities and nuances of identity changes and the experiences of young Hui Muslims as they negotiate their evolving identities within a rapidly changing environment. (Less)
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@misc{9134503,
abstract = {{This research examines the factors contributing to the diminishing Muslim identity among young Hui Muslims in China, particularly those with higher education, and the tensions and conflicts arising from these identity changes. Through a historical survey of Hui Muslims and ethnographic fieldwork in Yinchuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the study identifies both internal and external factors influencing the erosion of their Muslim identity. Internally, the family and community environment, which may be conservative or open, shape individuals' perceptions and attitudes. Externally, negative state-driven media representations play a role in hastening the process of Sinicization. The research also highlights that identity is a dynamic, contextual, and fluid process, with younger Hui experiencing different politico-social environments than their predecessors. This exposure influences their identity formation, leading them to be more rejective of Islamic practices and closer to mainstream values. The findings suggest that these shifts are influenced by the state's education and ethnic preferential policies. In navigating these changes, young Hui Muslims experience tensions and conflicts, especially those from conservative families who feel oppressed by internal community and family supervision. Female Hui Muslims faces additional challenges due to stricter family control and negative media portrayals. The research further uncovers stereotypes and cultural shocks faced by young Muslims, particularly related to dietary issues when away from their communities. The study emphasizes the role of stereotypes perpetuated by media frames in contributing to these challenges. Given the unique media environment and policies in China, negative stereotypes of Muslims deepen, resulting in Hui audience disengagement and resistance to media engagement. This research offers important insights into the complexities and nuances of identity changes and the experiences of young Hui Muslims as they negotiate their evolving identities within a rapidly changing environment.}},
author = {{Jin, Tong}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Shifting sands : an ethnographic research within Hui Muslim communities in contemporary China}},
year = {{2023}},
}