A Study On Cross-strait Cultural Exchanges
and Cultural Development Policies (1987-1997)
Abstract
Focusing on culture as the subject matter, this thesis attempts to describe the cultural network in cross-strait relations from three approaches -- cultural exchanges, conflicts, and integration. Beginning with a review on the forming and implementation of policy on cross-strait cultural exchanges, this thesis examines the process and function of these exchanges to find the changing social linkages after Taiwan liberalized family visits to the Mainland, and then analyzes the cultural conflicts and barriers therefrom. By looking deeply into the experiences and challenges facing cultural development on the two sides, the thesis provides perspectives of cross-strait cultural development and integration. It is hoped that after extensive and long-term information and cultural exchanges, the peoples on the two sides can have new thinking, develop a wide spectrum of ideologies, promote cultural consensus by expanding similarities and reducing differences, and pursue universal values. Only by conaucting so can cultural conflicts between the two sides be dispelled and rational and peaceful cross-strait relations be fostered. Chapters of this thesis are summarized as follows:
1. Introduction
This chapter gives an overview of the research motive, purpose, methodology, parameters, framework and limitations.
2. Cultural exchanges, conflicts, integration and cross-strait relations - a network analysis.
This chapter studies the development in cross-strait relations and subsequent boom in academic research, introduce the theory and methodology of network analysis, and tries to establish an analytic framework for "cross-strait cultural network."
3. Background and substance of the policy on cross-strait cultural exchanges.
This chapter studies the changing cultural concepts, environment, and value systems since the two sides fell under separated jurisdictions and explains the influence from network factors on policy-making and implementation.
4. Formation and implementation of policy on cross-strait cultural exchanges.
This chapter introduces the policy-analysis theory of "system, contents, and network and policy implementation." It then explores the PRC''s and the ROC''s strategies on cross-strait cultural exchanges, the implementations and efficiency of these policies, conflicts and dilemma therein, and the impact on the overall cross-strait relations.
5. Cultural programs and development -- experiences and challenges.
This chapter studies the meaning, substances, objectives, implementation, and problems of Taiwan''s cultural development policy and the PRC''s spiritual civilization policy, and impacts on its cultural development respectively. This chapter also offers an orientation for the governments on the two sides in future policy-making and administrations.
6. Cultural strategy for constructing a peaceful new order for the two sides.
This chapter explains the cultural strategies on cross-strait integration and the factors leading to cultural hegemony, emphasizes on the rationality of cultural tolerance, and how to construct a civic nationalist sense to resolve the conflict between "Taiwanese nationalism" and "Chinese nationalism." This chapter also provides a blueprint for future cross-strait cultural exchanges and developments as well as strategies and practices to upgrade these exchanges as a reference for policy-makers in promoting peaceful developments, exchanges,and negotiations between the two sides.
7. Conclusion and suggestions
This chapter summarizes the findings in previous chapters and includes personal comments and suggestions.