Social impacts of China-Hong Kong interface on Hong Kong

Abstract

China’s economic liberalisation has promoted economic interaction between mainland China and Hong Kong and variously affected the livelihood of the people of Hong Kong, which in turn has led to a variety of problems. These include an increase in cross-border marriages, resulting in “pseudo-single parent families”, separation of family members; the adjustment and integration of new migrants from mainland China; cross-border school attendance; consumption; and crime. Moreover, disparities in the social service provisions and framework between Hong Kong and mainland China have posed barriers to the mainland China-Hong Kong interface in such areas as retirement and residence. The relevant departments and organisations of Hong Kong and mainland China should collaborate more closely in providing relevant services that will help promote better social exchange.