Cultural studies gets role in economic development

Cultural studies will have broader space to work in the global economic development against the backdrop of COVID-19, said experts from the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences.

“The pandemic has dealt a heavy blow to the global economy, which caused slower globalization processes that led to economic trauma,” said Xu Jinjiang, director of the academy’s Institute of Literature.

“We hope cultural exchanges and studies can help people in this special period, and offer a cure for trauma,” Xu said.

Yu Xinhui, Party secretary of the academy, said Shanghai has taken a leading role in cultural studies among Chinese cities.

“While Shanghai has been trying to build up a culture brand, it should also interact with its role as a center for economic development,” Yu said.

To present the fruit of cultural studies in Shanghai, the academy has published the blue book series covering the development of Shanghai’s culture, literature, cultural communications, film industry, public culture services and intangible culture for more than a decade.