Mai Miyata 110ZU1024 Popular Culture in Taiwan Research Proposal 1. Research Topic & Title "Echoes of Nationalism in the Evolution of Pop Music: A Comparative Analysis of Chinese Popular Music Trends in China" 2. Research Context Over the past few decades, Taiwanese pop music (Mandopop) has held significant sway over the musical tastes within both Taiwan and Mainland China. This dominance is changing, however, as Mainland China experiences a surge in the popularity of domestic artists. This shift coincides with a rise in nationalistic sentiments, potentially influencing consumer preferences and cultural expressions. This study will explore how these trends in pop music reflect and contribute to the broader socio-political narratives of nationalism within and across these two regions. 3. Adopted Research Method - Qualitative Analysis: Content analysis of lyrics and themes in popular songs to gauge the reflection of nationalistic themes. - Comparative Analysis: The data from Taiwan and China will be compared to assess differences and similarities in the evolution of pop music trends. 4. Case Study The research will focus on two main case studies: - Taiwanese Influence Period: Analysis of the period during which Taiwanese artists dominated the Chinese music charts, focusing on key figures and songs that symbolized this trend. - Rise of Chinese Pop Music: Examination of the recent surge in popularity of domestic artists within Mainland China, including government policies on media and cultural products, and public reception. 5. Area of Literature Used - Cultural Studies and Popular Music - Nationalism - East Asian Pop Culture - Music Industry Studies The study will draw on diverse literature spanning cultural studies, nationalism, East Asian pop culture, and music industry dynamics. This approach will offer a comprehensive understanding of how shifts in popular music are both a driver and a reflection of broader socio-political changes, contributing significantly to the discourse on nationalism and cultural identity in East Asia. 6. Hypothesis Influence of Nationalism Nationalism plays a significant role in shaping cultural preferences and expressions. In the case of Mainland China, there has been a noticeable push toward promoting domestic culture and values, which aligns with broader government-led initiatives aimed at fostering a strong national identity. This has included support for local artists who sing in Mandarin and represent Chinese values and culture, thereby reinforcing a sense of national pride and unity. This rise in nationalism often encourages consumers to prefer domestic over foreign cultural products. Impact of Domestic Social Media Platforms The emergence and growth of domestic Chinese social media platforms such as TikTok (Douyin in China), Weibo, and Xiaohongshu have also played a crucial role. These platforms have significant influence in shaping pop culture and public opinion. They provide a massive platform for domestic artists to reach audiences that were once predominantly fans of Taiwanese pop music. The algorithms of these platforms tend to promote content that resonates with local sentiments and tastes, further bolstering the visibility and popularity of local artists. Government Policies and Regulations The Chinese government's control over media and cultural output has also influenced the shift. Policies that favour domestic over foreign cultural products, censorship of foreign media, and limitations on the number of foreign films and music that can be imported annually contribute to a market environment that advantages domestic artists. This regulatory framework can limit the exposure of Taiwanese and other foreign music, giving a boost to local Chinese artists. Economic and Market Dynamics Economically, as China has grown, its cultural industry has also expanded, creating more opportunities for local talent to emerge and thrive. This growth is supported by investment in cultural industries deemed important for national identity and global cultural influence. Furthermore, the size and scale of the Chinese market mean that even artists who are primarily popular within the country can achieve significant commercial success. Cultural and Linguistic Affinity Finally, there is a cultural and linguistic affinity that domestic artists can leverage more effectively. Songs that reference local culture, traditions, and contemporary issues can resonate more deeply with local audiences. This affinity makes domestic artists particularly appealing as they often incorporate elements of traditional Chinese music and themes into contemporary settings, creating a unique blend that appeals to nationalistic feelings.