Homelessness in Hong Kong

Abstract

This research seeks to explore the relationship between the experience of homelessness and social identity of the homeless in Hong Kong. It adopts the theoretical framework of social identity theory to understand how the social identity of homeless people is constructed and managed by their homeless experience. On one hand, homeless people are often problematized by society; while on the other hand, they, the secondary homeless in particular, are neglected by the government. Although there are debates on the definition of ‘homelessness’ as to whether homelessness is determined by the physical living environment or dimension of exclusion around the globe, in Hong Kong, no official definition of ‘homelessness’ is provided and only official figures of rough sleepers are measured over the years. For the methodology, a focus group interview was conducted with seven interviewees who are currently homeless or have homeless experience before, all referred by a non-governmental organization. Almost all of the interviewees had had experience of primary and secondary homelessness and each had their unique interrelated reasons for becoming homeless. The formation and management of their social identity are discussed in regard to how they recognize, shape, experience, and react to their homeless experience. The emphasis on social inclusiveness sheds light on the policy implication of homelessness and highlights homelessness as a social issue which seeks a social solution.