The Wendish Research Exchange - Gruschke, Andreas: Dimensions of cultural security in the Case of China

Lětopis Abstract 2017 2: Gruschke, Andreas: Dimensions of Cultural Security in the Case of China

In China, until now, development measures mostly do not take cultural identity into consideration. Many cadres may even regard ethnic distinction as an obstacle to steady economic and social development. At its best, cultural features – and mostly the visible and therefore somehow more superficial features – are seen as a basis for the development of local tourism, thus initiating the development of economic activities in further related economic sectors, like handicrafts, hotel and transport businesses, among others. Little attention is given to the protection of what is considered as a "basic commodity“ for the development of ethnic cultural regions. This paper argues that cultural features are more than a commodity, and are certainly not "obstacles“ to be overcome before development can take off. Cultural identity is the basis for any kind of development, and therefore needs protection and support – and cultural security. In order to contextualize the situation in China and assess the state’s efforts at creating social and political stability, this paper at first attempts to develop preliminary definitions of cultural security and cultural inclusion. I then aim at unfolding different perspectives on cultural security, and how they can be both a precondition and an opportunity for more sustainable ways of local economic and social development, offering positive outcomes for social and political stability.