Museums in China

Power, Politics and Identities

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Ethnic Studies
Cover of the book Museums in China by Tracey Lie Dan Lu, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Tracey Lie Dan Lu ISBN: 9781134081622
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: November 20, 2013
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Tracey Lie Dan Lu
ISBN: 9781134081622
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: November 20, 2013
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

From the earliest museums established by Western missionaries in order to implement religious and political power, to the role they have played in the formation of the modern Chinese state, the origin and development of museums in mainland China differ significantly from those in the West. The occurrence of museums in mainland China in the late nineteenth century was primarily a result of internal and external conflicts, Westernization and colonialism, and as such they were never established solely for enjoyment and leisure.

Using a historical and anthropological framework, this book provides a holistic and critical review on the establishment and development of museums in mainland China from 1840 to the present day, and shows how museums in China have been used by a wide range of social, political, and state actors for a number of economic, religious, political and ideological purposes. Indeed, Tracey L-D Lu examines the key role played by museums in reinforcing social segmentation, influencing the economy, protecting cultural heritage and the construction and enhancement of ethnic identities and nationalism, and how they have throughout their history helped the powerful to govern the less powerful or the powerless. More broadly, this book provides important comparative insights on museology and heritage management, and questions who the key stakeholders are, how museums reflect broader social and cultural changes, and the relationship between museum and heritage management.

Drawing on extensive archival research and anthropological fieldwork, as well as the author’s experience working as a museum curator in mainland China in the late 1980s, Museums in China such will be of great interest to students and scholars working across museology, heritage studies, tourism studies Chinese culture and Chinese history.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

From the earliest museums established by Western missionaries in order to implement religious and political power, to the role they have played in the formation of the modern Chinese state, the origin and development of museums in mainland China differ significantly from those in the West. The occurrence of museums in mainland China in the late nineteenth century was primarily a result of internal and external conflicts, Westernization and colonialism, and as such they were never established solely for enjoyment and leisure.

Using a historical and anthropological framework, this book provides a holistic and critical review on the establishment and development of museums in mainland China from 1840 to the present day, and shows how museums in China have been used by a wide range of social, political, and state actors for a number of economic, religious, political and ideological purposes. Indeed, Tracey L-D Lu examines the key role played by museums in reinforcing social segmentation, influencing the economy, protecting cultural heritage and the construction and enhancement of ethnic identities and nationalism, and how they have throughout their history helped the powerful to govern the less powerful or the powerless. More broadly, this book provides important comparative insights on museology and heritage management, and questions who the key stakeholders are, how museums reflect broader social and cultural changes, and the relationship between museum and heritage management.

Drawing on extensive archival research and anthropological fieldwork, as well as the author’s experience working as a museum curator in mainland China in the late 1980s, Museums in China such will be of great interest to students and scholars working across museology, heritage studies, tourism studies Chinese culture and Chinese history.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Teacher Retention by Tracey Lie Dan Lu
Cover of the book Global Organized Crime and International Security by Tracey Lie Dan Lu
Cover of the book The Provincial Music Festival in England, 1784–1914 by Tracey Lie Dan Lu
Cover of the book Understanding Physical Development in the Early Years by Tracey Lie Dan Lu
Cover of the book Contemporary Environmentalism in the Baltic States by Tracey Lie Dan Lu
Cover of the book Debates in Criminal Justice by Tracey Lie Dan Lu
Cover of the book Michael Dummett by Tracey Lie Dan Lu
Cover of the book Community Futures, Legal Architecture by Tracey Lie Dan Lu
Cover of the book Running Cultures by Tracey Lie Dan Lu
Cover of the book Asian Sacred Natural Sites by Tracey Lie Dan Lu
Cover of the book The Ukrainian Crisis by Tracey Lie Dan Lu
Cover of the book Class Strategies and the Education Market by Tracey Lie Dan Lu
Cover of the book Disgust in Early Modern English Literature by Tracey Lie Dan Lu
Cover of the book Politics Goes to the Movies by Tracey Lie Dan Lu
Cover of the book Family Entrepreneurship by Tracey Lie Dan Lu
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy