Melodies Across Borders: Investigating the Relationship Between Music Preferences and Cultural Identity Among Multinational Youth

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates the relationship between music preferences and cultural identity among youth across different provinces in China. While globalization has diversified musical exposure, regional cultural characteristics may still play a significant role in shaping musical tastes and identity formation. By examining provincial variations, this research seeks to understand how music serves as a marker of cultural self-perception within a rapidly modernizing Chinese society. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 400 participants aged 18 to 25, recruited from four provinces representing distinct cultural regions of China: Guangdong, Sichuan, Shandong, and Inner Mongolia. Participants completed the Music Preference Scale (MPS) and the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analyses to explore differences in music preferences across provinces and the association with cultural identity strength. Results: Significant provincial differences in music preferences were observed. Participants from Inner Mongolia and Sichuan demonstrated stronger preferences for traditional and folk music, while those from Guangdong and Shandong showed higher affinities for contemporary genres such as pop, hip-hop, and electronic dance music. A positive correlation was identified between preference for traditional music and stronger cultural identity scores, whereas a preference for globalized music genres was associated with lower cultural identity scores. Conclusions: The findings highlight that regional cultural backgrounds within China continue to influence youth music preferences and cultural identification. Traditional music remains an important anchor for cultural identity in certain provinces, even amid increasing exposure to globalized music. These insights contribute to understanding the cultural dynamics of Chinese youth and inform efforts to sustain regional cultural heritage.