Professor Dr Axel Schneider, University of Göttingen, presents the seminar ‘Has China become conservative? On the nature of the ‘return to tradition’ in contemporary China’.

Abstract from Dr Schneider: Since the National Studies Fever of the mid 1990s we can observe an increasing emphasis on the importance of China’s cultural traditions for contemporary China not just by the ruling CCP, but in various sectors of society; among intellectuals, academics, business people etc. The return or rise of religions (foremost Buddhism and Christianity) in everyday life is another example often referred to in this context. These phenomena are extremely complex involving political, economic, social and cultural aspects. In my presentation I will focus on the question whether this “return to/of tradition” is to be understood as a manifestation of “conservatism” as is often claimed.

Admission free. To book, email chinese.studies@nottingham.ac.uk

Part of the China Seminar Series.