The rise of social movements among young people in Hong Kong

Abstract

This research seeks to examine the rise of social movements among young people in Hong Kong; and analyze the reasons why the younger generation take part in social movements and the impacts that have been brought to the society. The study mainly adopts the ‘Umbrella Revolution’ or the ‘Mong Kok Disturbance’ as examples. Based on the interviews with young people who are aged between 18 – 24, it identifies that the ‘Umbrella Revolution’ serves as the representative of the rise of social movements among young people and the trend has been increased since 2014. By identifying the trend of young people who have participated in social movements, the assumption of social movements mainly initiated by the post-80s will be eliminated, and the argument that younger generation are suspicious about the political issues and social developments will be refuted. This will allow more consideration on the shifting trend from political apathetic to radically demonstrating among young people and further research on young people’s political participation will be directed.