Some Thoughts on the Construction and Development of Sinicized Ethnology in the New Era

DOI：10.3969/j.issn.1674-9391.2024.10.015

Abstract： This" paper aims to" explore the guiding ideology" underpinning the construction and development of ethnology" as it seeks to adapt to the Chinese context in the new era. It examines the interdisciplinary characteristics， application features， and mass-based foundation of this discipline. First， this study posits" it is imperative to recognize that the adaptation of ethnology to" the Chinese context should be grounded in" the principles and methodologies of Marxism. While constructing and developing ethnological disciplinary system that" adapts to the Chinese context， dogmatic approaches that stifle innovation should be rejected. Instead， the goal is to forge an independent discourse framework for Chinese ethnology—one that is both historically materialist and attuned to the demands of contemporary society. This would obviously require a concerted effort to build and continually refine a disciplinary theoretical system that aligns with the demands and aspirations of the new era.

Secondly，" this article additionally proposes that" the interdisciplinary characteristics of sinicized ethnology in the new era" warrant careful attention： It is deemed crucial to grasp the significance of the intersections between practical investigations， theoretical principles， policies， and relevant regulations. Such a dialectical interplay between" what is seen as correct and incorrect practices， as well as the relationship between existing research outcomes" and the developmental needs of the new era，" conceivably" holds the key to" shaping and" unlocking the full potential of sinicized ethnology." Effective management of these intersections arguably ensures that the discipline remains both rigorous and relevant in addressing contemporary issues.

Thirdly，" this essay holds that the applied characteristics of sinicized ethnology should be explored， emphasizing" the true value of ethnological research lies in its practical applications." A central tenet of sinicized ethnology—the equality， unity and" collective" development of all ethnic groups in China—ought to be reflected in its practical applications." As such， the application of sinicized ethnology in the new era is required to align with Marxist dialectical materialism， serving the interests of all ethnic groups， and contributing to societal advancement.

Lastly， the broad participation of the masses in the construction and development of sinicized ethnology" is viewed as indispensable. The discipline is closely intertwined with the lived experiences and aspirations of people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. The raw data that" drives interdisciplinary sinicized ethnology primarily originates from the practices and observations of these individuals. Therefore， it is considered" imperative that those involved in" the discipline’s construction and advancement" should have profound grassroots experience and field-based engagement. Furthermore， the relationship between sinicized ethnological research and" local ethnic cadres， as well as ethnic work institutions at various levels，" shown to be crucial in ensuring the discipline’s practical relevance， responsiveness， and impact" in addressing real-world ethnic issues.

In conclusion，" this study is inclined to believe that the sinicization of ethnology in the new era is a multifaceted and interdisciplinary process that demands a comprehensive approach." Moreover， by adhering to" what is regarded as correct guiding ideologies， scientifically" understanding interdisciplinary dynamics，" actively exploring practical applications， and" fostering broad-based" participation，" sinicized ethnology can not only preserve its traditional academic norms but also thrive in contemporary China. This may enable sinicized ethnology to contribute meaningfully to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation， endowing both academic discourse and societal progress.

Key Words： the New Era; sinicization of ethnology; construction and development