Musical Resonance: An Exploration of Class and Urban-Rural Disparities in Music Tastes and Practices in Contemporary China

While extensive research on social stratification in music tastes and practices has largely focused on social class differences within Western contexts, the pronounced urban-rural divide in China is equally significant. The unique social structures and access disparities between urban and rural areas may shape music appreciation and consumption in ways that differ from Western patterns. This research draws on Bourdieu’s and Peterson’s theories of class-based cultural tastes, as well as the individualisation thesis, to explore how socioeconomic status and the urban-rural divide shape music preferences and engagement in China. Additionally, it examines the role of digital technology in music consumption, investigating whether online platforms democratise cultural access or exacerbate socioeconomic divides. To address these questions, a mixed-methods approach was employed. The quantitative analysis identifies three main patterns of music tastes in China: ‘Chinese Omnivorous,’ ‘Cross-cultural Popular,’ and ‘Cross-cultural Omnivorous’. The results reveal that individuals from higher socioeconomic groups tend to have more diverse, globalised music tastes, whereas those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, particularly rural residents, exhibit more limited music tastes. The hukou system plays a significant role in shaping these patterns, with rural residents having limited access to a wide range of music genres. The qualitative analysis further illustrates that members of the urban upper-middle class leverage their economic, social and cultural capital to explore diverse music, thereby consolidating their social status. In contrast, the urban lower class and rural populations tend to rely on digital platforms, where algorithm-driven contents often reinforce narrower music choices. Overall, the findings demonstrate that social class, the urban-rural divide, and digital technology collectively influence music consumption in China, perpetuating existing socioeconomic inequalities and limiting cultural diversity among lower socioeconomic groups.