SOCIOCULTURAL ASPECTS OF CHINESE SOCIETY DEVELOPMENT: TRADITIONS AND INNOVATIONS

Abstract

The article presents the results of the implementation of the Ukrainian-Chinese educational and scientific project «Education in a Globalized Society: Philosophy, Management, Culture, Modern Trends, Economic Options, and International Practices», which explored the sociocultural aspects of contemporary Chinese society’s development. The purpose of the article is to provide a comprehensive analysis of China’s sociocultural development based on the project results, using specific examples to determine the interaction between traditional cultural practices and innovative trends shaping China’s modern sociocultural space. The methodology of the article is complex and includes both empirical methods (observation, description, comparison, analysis of practical experience) and general logical and theoretical methods (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, abstraction, and others). In the study of key aspects of contemporary sociocultural development, analysis and synthesis methods helped examine traditional and innovative aspects of Chinese culture; modeling enabled the creation of a conceptual model of the interaction between traditions and innovations in the sociocultural space; the systemic approach allowed for an exploration of China’s sociocultural development as a multidimensional phenomenon linked to history, economy, politics, and technology; the comparative-historical method provided a deeper understanding of the patterns of China’s sociocultural development, revealed the peculiarities of its transformations, and identified future change prospects. It serves as an effective tool for analyzing the interaction between traditions and innovations in Chinese society. The scientific novelty lies in the comprehensive analysis of China’s sociocultural development through the lens of traditional and modern practices, allowing us to trace the mechanisms of cultural adaptation to globalization processes while also understanding the mechanisms of harmonious coexistence of traditions and innovations. Conclusions. The sociocultural development of China encompasses a broad spectrum of sociocultural activities aimed at preserving national identity, supporting traditional cultural practices, and implementing modern forms of art and leisure. The key aspects of this process include state support for cultural initiatives, festivals, exhibitions, and theatrical performances, fostering cultural dialogue between regions and between China and other countries. Physical culture and mass sports events combine traditional and modern approaches, serving as an element of social cohesion and national heritage promotion, shaping collective identity, and supporting a healthy lifestyle. The development of street games, circus performances, and creative industries plays a crucial role in sociocultural mobility, allowing young people to engage in arts and entertainment, contributing to economic development as culture transforms into a source of income through the commercialization of creative products. Traditional celebrations and festivals play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage and transmitting values from generation to generation. China’s sociocultural development integrates strategic state planning, the preservation of traditional culture, and cutting-edge technological innovations. The impact of past famines has shaped a culture of rational food consumption and food security policies, which remain an important aspect of governance. China actively influences the global cultural space through “soft power” mechanisms while maintaining strict control over the information environment and historical memory. Food culture is an essential element of sociocultural development as it reflects the historical, economic, and ethnic characteristics of society. Culinary traditions serve as carriers of cultural memory, passed down through generations. They shape national identity by reflecting regional peculiarities, historical events, and intercultural influences. Chinese cuisine combines ancient gastronomic traditions with philosophical ideas of flavor harmony. Food plays a crucial role in social interaction, strengthening social bonds, exchanging cultural traditions, and forming shared values.