Intergenerational Dynamics of Chinese Heritage Sports in Rural Governance: Cultural Transmission and Social Cohesion

Chinese heritage sports play a crucial role in cultural preservation and rural governance, fostering social cohesion and intergenerational continuity. However, these sports face challenges due to modernization, migration, and intergenerational conflicts, which threaten their transmission and integration into contemporary governance frameworks. This study aims to explore the role of Chinese heritage sports in rural governance from an intergenerational perspective. Specifically, it investigates the mechanisms of intergenerational conflict affecting heritage sports and their implications for rural governance practices. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a literature review with field investigations conducted in L Village, Fujian. The study utilized participatory observation and in-depth interviews with local stakeholders, including village administrators, cultural practitioners, and residents, to analyze the transmission, challenges, and governance potential of the traditional "Songjiang Formation" heritage sport. The study reveals that intergenerational conflicts in heritage sports arise from shifts in values, marginalization due to modernization, and policy discrepancies. The transformation from familial to institutionalized and market-driven transmission models has weakened traditional mentorship structures. However, successful revitalization efforts in L Village demonstrate that heritage sports can serve as a medium for moral governance, social integration, and rural self-governance when supported by grassroots initiatives and policy interventions. Chinese heritage sports hold significant potential for fostering rural governance by bridging generational gaps and strengthening community ties. Addressing intergenerational conflicts through innovation, policy alignment, and participatory governance can ensure their sustainable transmission and contribution to rural modernization. Future governance models should integrate heritage sports into broader socio-economic and cultural development frameworks to enhance rural resilience and cohesion.