Beyond Identities in Modernity: An Outlook Interpreted from a Fresh Chinese Perspective

This book argues that future generations of modernity as a whole will shape participatory modernization whether Chinese modernization or Western modernization. The public discourse is inundated with the good and the bad modern events with the acceleration of globalization. This book debates that the biggest question in the twenty-first century is not who will dominate, touting a new world order upon us, but rather that it is the orientation of modernization that haunts our daily realities. This book explores the idea that life is not about living for an identity in any society, it is about the demands for dignity and safety. It goes further to state that there is also a demand for the power of being, and these three elements are beyond identities as modernization moves forward. Interdisciplinary in nature, the book uses theories, data, and philosophy as toolboxes to align with microrealities around the globe. Witnessing modernization and modernizing identities in China and in Australia beyond day by day, the author provides a more suitable, more realistic, and possibly, more nuanced perspective. This book will be of interest to professionals, students, academics, as well as businesspeople with China experience, interested in modernization and identity, the Chinese perspective, and the new generation of Chinese.

Table of Contents:
Introduction 1. Another Understanding of Identities 2. The Power of Identity 3. Multiculturalism and Migration 4. Being Modern Dignity and Safety 5. The Power of Being 6. Where is Modernization Going? Epilogue

About the Author :
Yunrui Deng was born and raised by a middle-class family in Sichuan Province, Southwest China. She holds a Master of Communication (for Development/Social Change) degree from the University of Queensland, Australia. Fluent in the Sichuan dialect plus bilingual in both English and Mandarin Chinese, she is of the view that it is significant to hear different angles from different generations and backgrounds. Her independent ideas in her first book vis-à-vis identity and modernization provide a unique angle with Western mindset and Chinese reasoning for the international audience as a new generation of Chinese born in the late 1990s. Yunrui’s research interests are modernization and identity, Chinese modernization, and communication for development/social change.

Review :
“A thought-provoking book that looks at the forces of modernity in shaping identity. Having been educated in China and Australia, Yunrui brings a firsthand perspective to the shift in generational norms in China. She has written a must-read book analyzing the forces and differences that have shaped Chinese by different generations. Whether you are an academic or businessperson, the book provides great insight into the shifts in thinking processes and identities in China by generation.” -Shaun Rein, Author of the Split and the End of Cheap China. Founder of the China Market Research Group “An impressive book that transcends conventional thinking, offering a fresh perspective from China with a global outlook. Yunrui presents a nuanced analysis of modernization and identity, bridging the gap between theory and reality. In our multipolar and muticultural world, it is essential to hear diverse viewpoints from various generations, and this work contributes significantly to that dialogue.” -Dr. Seong-Hyon Lee, Visiting Scholar at Harvard University Asia Center “In the ever-evolving landscape of our interconnected world, Beyond Identities in Modernity stands as a profound narrative, inviting readers to explore the nuanced dynamics of modernization and identity from the unique perspective of a young Chinese intellectual. Yunrui, through her insightful reflections and academic grounding, provides a fresh lens to understand the interplay between East and West and the evolving nature of identities in a globalized world. May Yunrui’s authentic words inspire you to look beyond the surface and engage with the deeper currents that shape our modern world.” -Fan Hongyi, Founder of Curidaosity “An interesting insight from first-hand experience, questioning the importance and impact of identity in shaping one’s life journey and choices, especially where cultures have crossed. This account and analysis are all within the context of twenty-first century modernization, such as it is, and very much from the perspective of someone who has lived the experience and sought to identify exactly what her place is in this perceived world.” -Jill Scalon, Board Member of Women in Aid & Development Australia