From Challenge to Strength: A Mobile Ethnographic Study of Chinese Ethnic Minority Youth

This mobile ethnographic study moves beyond a deficit-oriented perspective to examine the resilience and strengths of ethnic minority youth in China. While prior research has predominantly emphasized challenges, such as discrimination, educational inequities, and cultural exclusion, this investigation adopts a strength-based approach to illuminate the distinctive resources and adaptive strategies these youth utilize in their everyday experiences. Employing participatory mobile ethnography to document how ethnic minority youth dynamically negotiate identity, community belonging, and socioeconomic opportunities in current Chinese society. This research will reveal how traditional knowledge, multilingualism and hybrid identities of ethnic minorities can serve as crucial resources for empowerment. It will also highlight the significant role of digital platforms in amplifying minority voices and fostering self-reflection. By centering youth perspectives, a more nuanced understanding of ethnic minority experiences will provide insights for inclusive development policies and cultural sustainability practices.