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Understanding China's Contemporary Social Issues Through Historical Lens: The Role of Shoulder-Carrying Culture

Objective

China faces significant social challenges, including an aging population, a decline in agricultural workers and urban laborers, and the rising incidence of lumbar spondylosis (lower back pain) among the youth. This study aims to analyze these issues through historical context and social medicine, linking social factors to health. The objective is to present personal insights and propose solutions to these contemporary social dilemmas.

Methods

Over six years, the author Chen Huabin investigated the cultural significance of shoulder-carrying in China and its influence on spine health. By employing a "biology-psychology-social medicine" model, the study compares generational differences and explores historical, observational, and qualitative methodologies. The perspectives of Chinese scholars on the aging workforce are also examined, identifying social factors and countermeasures.

Results

Before 1980, shoulder-carrying culture was prevalent in China. Its decline has resulted in the first generation of migrant workers mastering physical labor through this practice, but subsequent generations have shifted away from agricultural work. Physical examinations indicate that elderly individuals familiar with shoulder-carrying demonstrate superior spinal health compared to modern individuals who lack such experiences. The waning of this tradition coincides with the emergence of issues like the "elderly agriculture" phenomenon.

Conclusion

To address these pressing social issues, it is crucial for China to reinvigorate the shoulder-carrying culture. By incorporating traditional practices into modern labor education, the next generation can be equipped for physically demanding roles, ultimately promoting better health and mental well-being. Addressing misconceptions about shoulder-carrying and its benefits is essential for revitalizing this culture. Innovations in theory and practice must focus on integrating shoulder-carrying into daily life, fostering rural and urban community development, and emphasizing labor education in schools to enhance the physical capabilities of future workers. This approach will contribute to the holistic health of the Chinese populace and support the nation’s social and economic resilience.

Preprint A Study from the Perspective of Chinese Traditional Culture,...

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