The structuring of ethnicity in Hong Kong. Entering the transition phase

Abstract

This paper analyzes the ethnic dimension of Hong Kong's emerging reintegration with China. The implications of the "one country, two system" policy for ethnic intergroup processes are examined in terms of the potential of the current mechanisms that submerge interethnic conflict to be adapted to suit the changing conditions. A theory of ethnic intergroup power relations during the colonial to post-colonial transition phase is used to structure a discussion of the transition process. Ethnic group relations are viewed in the context of the already shifting social, economic, political, and cultural processes in Hong Kong. Although Hong Kong's transition period is seen to diverge from that which has characterized other colonial societies. Hong Kong people are viewed as being in a good position to adapt themselves to meet the challenges of interethnic relations in the approaching period. Lack of certainty concerning the degree of localization and democratization in the coming decade places limits on the analysis. © 1988.