This research sheds new light into examining a state-led, large-scale post-earthquake recovery project with a specific yet questionable agenda to rebuild and “develop” an ethnic minority group for tourism. Not only exploring the significance of culture and localized ways of adaptation and rebuilding in post-earthquake reconstruction of Qiang villages, this research also brings in innovative examination on the knowledge and practical chasm between planning experts and local residents. It provides a situated and in-depth way to critique the complex dynamics and effects of a culturally oriented recovery project, and more broadly, of any project which claims to seek a more justifiable and sustainable development.

This ethnographic research helps deepen the understanding of Chinese state-ethnic relationships by discussing the enactment and characteristics of such relationship at a moment of intensification. After the tragic event, little research has been done to thoroughly study the state’s perspective of and relation to the Qiang or other earthquake-affected ethnic minorities, in which the contestation and competition between the state and ethnic minorities, the Han and other cultures, as well as among the ethnic minority groups, may be described and interpreted. The research discusses the particular dynamics of government policies, economic forces, and cultural resources in the rebuilding and remaking of a Chinese ethnic community. 

One of the broader impacts of this project is the exploration of knowledge that can shape policy and practice towards the underrepresented populations at the critical time of reconstruction. First of all, data collected in this research can be helpful in the preservation, teaching and advocacy of local cultures and heritage affected by disasters and other crises. Specifically, through my research and publication more Qiang people can obtain more opportunities for higher education, and become scholars and advocators of their own culture as well as the reconstruction and modernization of their home villages. Secondly, this research contributes to the protection and advocacy of the heritage culture by studying the effects of heritage tourism and other environmentally sustainable and economically effective ways of presenting, protecting and documenting local cultures. And finally this research can help to study and solve the problems and clashes between the local ethnic culture and outside influences as the reconstruction and tourism business develop.

On the other hand, the knowledge of the conflicts and negotiation between state policies and local practice of recovery helps the research, teaching and studying of the complex effects and consequences of any large-scale recovery projects. It argues that a thorough understanding of the local history and cultural practice is essential for the successful implementation of any state policies. The research helps build and implement more culturally sensitive public policy on the recovery of local communities. Inquiries into the long-term political, economic and cultural impacts of the reconstruction policy help improve the knowledge and practice of how state agencies should utilize and allocate resources as well as cooperate with local people and nongovernmental agencies in building and rebuilding local communities. 

The NSF doctoral dissertation improvement grant has been essential in providing the funding for the successful completion of the ethnographic work and dissertation writing on this topic. It supported a total of 14 months of research to gather important data on the reconstruction of the ethnic Qiang communities in Sichuan, China. Physical changes of the villages and statistical data of the reconstruction were collected and mapped. Participant observation, interviews, and focus group discussions were conducted to understand how v...

Please report errors in award information by writing to: awardsearch@nsf.gov.