Engagement of young Chinese adults born between 1990 and 2000 with the culture of traditional Chinese music: A quantitative study

The post-90s generation faces several challenges in engaging with and being exposed to traditional Chinese music culture, particularly due to issues related to schools, families, and cultural imbalance. These challenges are becoming increasingly prominent as modern influences continue to reshape young people’s cultural preferences. This study analyzes and explores these issues and finds that post-90s individuals who have studied traditional Chinese music culture are more proactive in engaging with it. Moreover, frequent discussions about traditional Chinese music culture by their parents have helped them better understand it. These findings suggest that both formal education and family communication play significant roles in shaping cultural identity and musical engagement. In addition, this study also finds that the advancement of Western musical instruments, the lack of family financial resources, and high tuition fees are barriers to the post-90s generation’s exposure to traditional Chinese music culture. These financial and perceptual obstacles limit their opportunities to engage with and appreciate their own musical heritage. Therefore, to address these issues, we need to increase the interest of the post-90s in learning about traditional Chinese music culture and make reasonable use of media communication to promote it. This can also attract their attention through the development and evolution of traditional Chinese music culture. Addressing these barriers will help the post-90s generation better connect with traditional Chinese music culture and promote the inheritance of cultural traditions in the modern age.