Welcome to Francis Academic Press

Academic Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences, 2025, 8(8); doi: 10.25236/AJHSS.2025.080811.

Research on the Intergenerational Disconnection Dilemma and Path Reconstruction of Youth Inheriting Intangible Cultural Heritage Based on Cultural Identity Theory

Author(s)

Mengyao Lu1, Zhijing Zhu1, Yejun Shi1, Yuetong Chen2, Yuhong Wu1

Corresponding Author:
Yuhong Wu
Affiliation(s)

1College of Public Administration and Humanities, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, China, 116026

2Navigation College, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, China, 116026

Abstract

Against the backdrop of intensified global cultural competition, the intergenerational inheritance crisis of intangible cultural heritage has risen to a national cultural security issue. Based on the theory of cultural identity, this paper points out the triple intergenerational rupture phenomenon of "cognition-participation-identification" in the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage among young people, and reveals that the defects in curriculum and practice in the intangible cultural heritage education system, the poor communication effects of traditional and digital media in the promotion of intangible cultural heritage, and the lack of innovation in the development form and inheritance mechanism of intangible cultural heritage are the deep-seated reasons for the intergenerational rupture. This study uses the three-dimensional intervention model of "education integration-communication optimization-digital empowerment" to organically penetrate intangible cultural heritage elements and subject courses, reconstruct the dialogue mode of intangible cultural heritage communication, and digitally empower the translation of intangible cultural heritage symbols, aiming to improve the cultural identity system of intangible cultural heritage among young people and provide theoretical support and practical paradigms for strengthening the national cultural security line of defense. 

Keywords

Intangible Cultural Heritage, Youth Group, Cultural Security, Intergenerational Gap

Cite This Paper

Mengyao Lu, Zhijing Zhu, Yejun Shi, Yuetong Chen, Yuhong Wu. Research on the Intergenerational Disconnection Dilemma and Path Reconstruction of Youth Inheriting Intangible Cultural Heritage Based on Cultural Identity Theory. Academic Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences (2025), Vol. 8, Issue 8: 66-73. https://doi.org/10.25236/AJHSS.2025.080811.

References

[1] Lü Lijie, Ding Yiran. A survey on school-based curriculum aimed at enhancing students' sense of identity with China's excellent traditional culture [J]. Educational Research, 2019, 40(9): 56-64.

[2] Yang Fan, Tang Yingtong. Research on strategies to enhance the recognition and empathy of young people towards Nantong's intangible cultural heritage [J]. Tiangong, 2025, (09): 74-76.

[3] Li Meng. The construction of a new role for inheritors of intangible cultural heritage handicrafts [J]. Cultural Industry, 2025, (10): 136-138.

[4] Tang Jinyu, Zhu Xuefang. A study on the development and application of serious game projects in the inheritance of digital intangible cultural heritage [J]. Library and Information Work, 2020, 64(10): 35-45.

[5] Zhang Letian, Yang Junqi. Research and practice on the innovation ecology of intangible cultural heritage handicraft culture under industrialization [J]. Journal of Cultural Studies, 2024, (09): 28-31.

[6] Wang Zhenyan, Li Jiarui. Function, mechanism and policy supply mechanism of intangible cultural heritage empowering rural revitalization [J]. Academic Exchange, 2023, (09): 159-172.

[7] Yang Wenying. Dilemma and improvement measures for the cultivation of intangible cultural heritage talents [J]. Chinese Personnel Science, 2023 (8): 27-34.

[8] Wang Qiang. Strategic analysis on the protection of intangible cultural heritage inheritors and the construction of inheritance mechanism[J]. Tomorrow's Fashion, 2023, (18): 161-163.

[9] Wu Yinyan, Li Tianying. Reflection on the dilemma of intangible cultural heritage dissemination based on cultural industry theory [J]. Media Forum, 2023, 6 (18): 72.

[10] He Nengkun. Intangible cultural heritage in primary and secondary schools in ethnic minority areas =Problem representation and optimization path of quality cultural heritage education[J]. Research on Ethnic Education, 2024, 35(05):168-176.

[11] Hao Qiang, Huang Yue. Digital empowerment: Research on the dissemination strategy of Shanxi handicraft intangible cultural heritage[J]. Tiangong, 2025, (16):93-95.

[12] Wang Mei, Chen Xinggui. Paths and countermeasures for innovating the management mechanism of intangible cultural heritage inheritors in the "post-heritage application era"[J]. Journal of Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences (Social Sciences Edition), 2019, 38(06):64-73.

[13] Zhao Yimeng. Research on the path of digital technology empowering intangible cultural heritage education in applied universities[J]. Journal of Sanming University, 2025, 42(01):119-124.

[14] Xiao Fang. How intangible cultural heritage becomes a discipline: the breakthrough and development of intangible cultural heritage discipline construction [J]. Folklore Research, 2024, (05): 25-35+157.

[15] Liu Tao, Sun Lan. Digital empowerment: Intangible cultural heritage communication strategy in the context of "Generation Z" consumption [J]. News Tide, 2024, (07): 13-16.

[16] Jin Y , Bowers B J , Cotton Q D ,et al.Self-identified culturally related stressors that influence self-care in older adults with multiple chronic conditions: A qualitative study[J].Journal of clinical nursing, 2024(4):33. DOI:10.1111/jocn.16979.

[17] Zhou Xiayi. Digital technology empowers the inheritance and innovation of intangible cultural heritage: significance, problems and paths [J]. New Chu Culture, 2025, (14): 61-63.

[18] Qian G , Matthew P , Yueqin H ,et al."I don't want to make trouble": Emotional Distress, Disconnection, and Loneliness Among Older People in China[J].The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 2025(6):6.DOI:10.1093/geronb/gbaf068.