Sustaining Folk Music in the 21st Century: A Thematic Review of Community, Education, Policy, and Technology (2020–2025)

Resumen

Abstract：In recent years, the sustainable development of folk music has attracted increasing academic attention worldwide, evolving into a multidimensional discourse that intersects education, cultural policy, digital technology, and community engagement. This study adopts a thematic literature review approach to systematically analyze 40 peer-reviewed, high-quality academic articles published between 2020 and 2025, with the aim of identifying key trends and strategic approaches in the global transmission and safeguarding of folk music. Using ATLAS.ti 23 for thematic coding, the analysis identifies four central themes: (1) Community and Social Mechanisms; (2) Education and Knowledge Transfer; (3) Technology and Digital Innovation; and (4) Policy and External Environment. The findings indicate that grassroots participation and the integration of emerging digital tools significantly enhance the dissemination and cultural influence of folk music. Meanwhile, reforms in educational systems and policy-driven support provide structural foundations for its long-term vitality and intercultural coexistence. Nevertheless, challenges persist in achieving deep integration between technology and tradition, ensuring the cross-cultural adaptability of policy frameworks, and maintaining the long-term efficacy of sustainability policies. Future research should advance interdisciplinary approaches to develop theoretical frameworks for folk music sustainability that balance cultural sensitivity with innovative potential.