How Serial Culture in Modern China Shapes Ideology

Abstract

This article delves into the evolution of Chinese television dramas within their historical, cultural, economic, and political contexts. The author seeks to uncover how the ideological function of these series transformed from the tumultuous era of the Cultural Revolution to the era of economic reforms and contemporary post-socialist society. The piece examines the distinctive features of the "socialist drama" genre that emerged during Maoism, tracing its replacement by the "main melody" dramas during the modernization period. It highlights the new techniques and aesthetics of "main melody" dramas, noting their subtle ideological influence in contrast to the overt propaganda of "red" series. As an exemplar of modern dramas incorporating "main melody" elements, the article analyzes the 2022 series "Journey of a Lifetime." The author concludes that the characters in this series embody the core values of the Chinese political regime, with the drama itself drawing parallels between the construction of the Zhou family and the socialist state. The article also observes the increasing commercial success and global appeal of Chinese TV series, which serve as a facet of China's "soft power." Modern Chinese television dramas have become more visually stunning and diverse in genre and subject matter. Nevertheless, they retain their ideological function, which manifests non-linearly, blending and reconciling Confucian, socialist, and neoliberal values.