CHAIRPERSON
Assoc Prof Tim Bunnell, Asia Research Institute and Department of Geography, National University of Singapore.
ABSTRACT
This paper explores the reconstruction of villages in rural Guizhou using the analytic of ‘governable space.’ Derived from the later work of Foucault, the concept of governable space provides an analytical tool for understanding rural reconstruction as a project of social ordering. In particular, the transformation of villages into leisure spaces is considered. Several Han and minority villages are featured as case studies, where heritage and other forms of tourism are increasingly turning villages into exhibits of themselves and thus becoming new kinds of governable leisure spaces. The paper argues that while the objectives of social order are clearly seen in these transformations, their actual outcomes are far from predictable or planned.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Tim Oakes is Professor of Geography and Director of the Center for Asian Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder. He also holds visiting professor positions at Wageningen University, Netherlands, and Guizhou Minzu University, China. His work focuses on the uses of culture and heritage as governance and development strategies in both rural and urban China. Recent publications include articles in Modern China, Eurasian Geography and Economics, Environment and Planning D: Society & Space, as well as the co-edited volumes Faiths on Display and Real Tourism.
REGISTRATION
Admission is free. We would greatly appreciate if you RSVP Mr Jonathan Lee via email: jonathan.lee@nus.edu.sg
