Intangible Cultural Heritage: Cognition and Reconstruction—The Interplay of Knowledge, Power, and Modernity

Abstract

This article reviews the book Intangible Cultural Heritage, A Common Stage for Scholars and Government, and, drawing on both domestic and international theories and research, systematically explores the cognition and reconstruction of intangible cultural heritage within the intertwined contexts of knowledge, power, and modernity. The discussion analyzes the theoretical frameworks and philosophical significance of intangible heritage, the interaction between cultural identity and social memory, the collaborative logic between scholars and government, and the tension between productive conservation and modern transformation. Through these perspectives, the review examines the practical dilemmas and innovative pathways for safeguarding intangible heritage in China. The study argues that the protection of intangible heritage is not only about preserving cultural forms but also about reconstructing social identity and cultural value through the participation of diverse stakeholders. Only by maintaining community subjectivity, balancing economic benefits with cultural integrity, and promoting the interplay between theory and practice, can intangible cultural heritage achieve sustainable development and innovative transformation in contemporary society.