Chinese Journal of Sociology ›› 2009, Vol. 29 ›› Issue (4): 79-106.

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Consumerism and Tongzhi Space: The Routing of Alternative Desires in Urban Life

  

  • Online:2009-07-20 Published:2009-07-20

Abstract:

Based on an ethnographic study of such tongzhi businesses as saunas, bars and gyms in Chengdu’s gay community, this paper discusses the emergence and development of the new “deviated space” or “tongzhi space” driven by the consumer revolution in contemporary Chinese cities from Lefebvre’s perspective of “production of space”. The author argues that the rise of market economy and consumerism has pushed the issue of homosexuality out of the private sphere to the public market economy. Homosexuality has thus earned its social legitimacy for the first time. Although still facing repression from the state and the mainstream society, the expansion of the gay (tongzhi) population’s public space nevertheless reflects on one facet the “liberation” and “freedom” enabled by the ongoing consumer revolution. The commercial places are an important part of the tongzhi community. By partaking in the community activities, the homosexuals identify with one another in sexuality, language, interests, and values, having thus constructed the cultural basis for the tongzhi movement.

Key words: consumerism, tongzhi space, urban lifestyle,