Abstract

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Title:: Interpretation and Reflection: Preferences, Influences, and Responses to the Meaning Needs of Contemporary Youth in the Modernization Process

Keywords:: modernization; modernity; Chinese-style modernization; youth; meaning needs

Abstract:: Contemporary youth are positioned at a crucial juncture in the ongoing progress of Chinese-style modernization, growing up during significant social transformation and cultural change. This has led to notable shifts in how they perceive meaning, their attitudes towards traditional meaning system, and the pathways they take to find meaning. These shifts exhibit distinct generational characteristics in their preference for meaning. In brief, the prominence of a secularized life world within the modernization process has spawned a youth preference for concrete meanings and “micro-narratives”. The increasing visual orientation of society intensifies their preference for the form and technology of meaning. The uncertainty inherent in modern society prompts them to deconstruct the existing meanings continuously. As natives of the modern society, contemporary youth demonstrate an active pursuit of abrupt changes and innovation in meaning. To objectively and comprehensively understand the logic and multifaceted impacts of these shifts, it is essential to provide value guidance that integrates both critique and constructive functions on the basis of acknowledging and respecting these shifts. This approach can better harness the role of youth as key agents in the Chinese-style modernization process.