A study of the construction of self-identity of ethnic minorities in Hong Kong following the 2019 social movement

Abstract

Hong Kong, being one of the most multicultural cities in East Asia, is home to many people of different ethnicities. In light of their historical roots, ethnic minorities share a deeply rooted connection to Hong Kong and have called the city their home for generations. However diversified Hong Kong may be, it is far from being inclusive. Multiple factors, including widespread discrimination, inequality and language proficiency etc., has continued to shape Hong Kong to become exclusive towards ethnic minorities. Despite ethnic minorities having a longstanding presence in the city, however, time and again, disappointment in the system has created contradictions in their ethnicity, sense of belonging and local identity. Between the period of 2019-2020 when many protests have taken place around the city, triggered by the amendments to the Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation Bill, weeks of social division and unrest in the city have sparked a new wave of ethnic tension imposed upon by the negative burden of ethnicity. In this paper, a set of themes have been established to evaluate factors determining and influencing the construction of self-identity amongst ethnic minorities of Southeast Asian origin in Hong Kong, particularly after the social movement 2019. In-depth analysis on challenges local Southeast Asians have encountered, and how such difficulties would influence their perception on self-identity and sense of belonging will also be conducted. To facilitate understanding of the construction of local identification within Southeast Asians in Hong Kong, this study employs a set of 55 questionnaires and 5 interviews for analytical purposes. Results from both sets of data share consistency in demonstrating an increased sense of belonging to Hong Kong on the part of Southeast Asians after the 2019 social movement.