Abstract

This study explores the adapted identity of domestic migrant workers within China's intangible cultural heritage (ICH) tourism sector. Domestic migration has become a significant feature of China's socioeconomic landscape, particularly in the context of the rapidly expanding tourism industry that focuses on preserving and promoting intangible cultural heritage. The research employs a qualitative approach, including in-depth interviews and participant observation, to understand how these migrant workers negotiate their identities amid the socio-economic and cultural pressures of their work environment. The findings highlight the complex interplay between personal identity, work roles, and cultural heritage, revealing both the challenges and opportunities faced by migrant workers in this sector.

Keywords

Domestic migrant workers; Intangible cultural heritage; Tourism sector; Identity; Cultural adaptation; China

Introduction

The rapid growth of China’s tourism industry has spotlighted its rich intangible cultural heritage (ICH), which includes practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills that communities recognize as part of their cultural heritage. This sector has not only become a significant part of the national economy but also a field of intense cultural representation and preservation. Concurrently, domestic migration has surged as rural workers move to urban areas in search of better economic opportunities. Many of these workers find employment in the tourism sector, particularly in roles related to the presentation and management of ICH. Understanding the lived experiences of these migrant workers is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, their work supports the tourism industry that generates substantial revenue and preserves cultural practices. Secondly, their personal and collective identities are shaped and reshaped within this dynamic environment. This study aims to evaluate how domestic migrant workers adapt their identities in the context of China's ICH tourism sector. Domestic migration in China has been a prominent feature of the country's economic development since the 1980s, driven by the rapid urbanization and industrialization processes. Migrant workers, predominantly from rural areas, move to urban centers to seek better employment opportunities. This migration has significant socio-economic implications, including changes in family structures, social networks, and individual identities. China's focus on ICH aims to preserve traditional practices and promote them through tourism. This includes festivals, traditional crafts, performing arts, and rituals. The tourism sector’s emphasis on ICH often involves creating authentic experiences for visitors, which requires skilled labor. Migrant workers are increasingly filling these roles, from performing traditional crafts to guiding tourists through historical sites.

Methodology

This study uses a qualitative research design to explore the adapted identities of domestic migrant workers in the ICH tourism sector.

 Data were collected through

In-depth interviews: Conducted with migrant workers employed in various roles related to ICH tourism. The interviews focused on their personal experiences, perceptions of their work, and how their identities have evolved.

Participant observation: Observations of daily work routines, interactions with tourists, and participation in ICH-related activities provided contextual insights into the workers' roles and their impact on identity formation.

Findings

Negotiation of identity: Migrant workers in the ICH tourism sector often navigate a complex interplay of personal, cultural, and professional identities. Their roles in showcasing cultural heritage often require them to perform traditional roles, which July not always align with their personal experiences or beliefs. This performance can lead to a re-evaluation of their own cultural identity, as they embody and convey cultural narratives that July differ from their own.

Cultural adaptation and professionalization: Many migrant workers experience a process of cultural adaptation, where they learn and internalize aspects of ICH to better perform their roles. This adaptation often includes acquiring new skills, understanding cultural nuances, and adhering to professional standards set by their employers. This process can enhance their professional identity but July also lead to internal conflicts between their personal and professional selves.

Social and economic impacts: The social and economic conditions of migrant workers significantly impact their identity formation. Economic pressures and social status within urban environments contribute to their adaptation strategies. The pursuit of stability and advancement within the tourism sector can influence their self-perception and aspirations, often aligning their identities with the expectations of their work environment.

Discussion

The adapted identities of domestic migrant workers in the ICH tourism sector reflect a negotiation between personal history, cultural performance, and economic necessity. Their roles contribute to the preservation and promotion of China's intangible cultural heritage, while their personal identities are continuously shaped by their work experiences. The study highlights the need for policies that support the well-being and professional development of these workers, ensuring that their contributions are recognized and valued within the broader context of China's tourism and cultural preservation efforts. Migrant workers are drawn to the ICH tourism sector primarily due to economic necessity. Many come from rural backgrounds where opportunities are limited, and the tourism industry offers a viable means of livelihood. However, this economic dependency often forces them into roles that, while economically advantageous, July not align with their personal aspirations or cultural values. Despite this, their participation in ICH tourism also serves as a form of cultural preservation. They contribute to the continuity of traditional practices and rituals, thus preserving cultural heritage for future generations. The negotiation of cultural identity is a significant aspect of migrant workers' experiences in the ICH tourism sector. On one hand, these workers are custodians of cultural practices and symbols, which can be a source of pride and empowerment. On the other hand, they July also experience a sense of disconnection or alienation from their rural origins as they adapt to urban settings and the demands of the tourism industry. This tension between preserving one's cultural heritage and adapting to new economic realities can lead to a complex process of identity formation, where workers continuously negotiate their roles and self-perceptions. Social integration within the urban context is another crucial factor influencing the adapted identity of migrant workers. The tourism sector often requires workers to interact with diverse audiences, including international tourists. This interaction can facilitate social integration and broaden their perspectives, contributing to their identity as both cultural bearers and modern urbanites. Additionally, the establishment of worker communities within the sector can provide social support and foster a sense of belonging, further influencing their identity adaptation process. The commodification of culture for tourism purposes raises questions about the authenticity and value of cultural practices. Migrant workers are often involved in presenting and performing cultural practices that have been adapted to meet tourist expectations. This commodification can lead to tensions between preserving the authenticity of cultural heritage and adapting it for commercial purposes. The impact on workers' identities includes both a sense of pride in showcasing their heritage and potential concerns about the dilution or misrepresentation of their cultural practices. The experiences of migrant workers in the ICH tourism sector underscore the need for supportive policies and mechanisms. Ensuring fair wages, improving working conditions, and providing opportunities for skill development can enhance the well-being of these workers and contribute to a more equitable cultural tourism industry. Additionally, recognizing and valuing the contributions of migrant workers in preserving and promoting ICH can help affirm their roles and identities within the broader cultural and economic context

Conclusion

Domestic migrant workers play a crucial role in China's intangible cultural heritage tourism sector, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of cultural practices. Their adapted identities, shaped by their professional roles and personal experiences, reveal a dynamic interplay between cultural performance and self-perception. Understanding these identities is essential for developing supportive policies and practices that acknowledge and enhance the contributions of these workers while promoting a more inclusive and equitable tourism sector.

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