Assessing the outcomes of living in a mixed community in Hong Kong

Abstract

Mixed communities have been largely developed by policy makers of western counties such as Australia, the United States and Western Europe. The debates of whether mixed communities could be the solution to the problems of poverty and place are still in examination. As most of the studies are concentrated on western context, this paper attempts to study the outcomes of living in a mixed community in Hong Kong.

This study would be focused on assessing the outcomes of low income residents living in a mixed community in Hong Kong for exploring the possibility of urban planning and housing policy through the social mix policy. Though the idea of social mix is not the main concern in Hong Kong’s urban planning, the paper aims to find out whether living in a mixed community constitutes positive outcomes such as improving living environment, exploring social networks, seeking employment opportunities, role modeling and acquiring better livings in the future. A sample estate in Yau Ma Tei of Hong Kong would be chosen for case study to evaluate the outcomes of living in a mixed community.

The study might provide hints for policymakers in considering of town planning and housing developments which towards the goal of reducing social problems such as poverty. There has no practical model or framework in development of policies allied with mixed communities. However, social integration and cohesion should be encouraged for promoting balanced neighbourhoods.