The Construction and Evolution of Hong Kong Identity: Literature Review and Prospects

Siyuan Cai

doi:10.5281/mp3scv36

Authors

Siyuan Cai School of Humanities and Social Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/mp3scv36

Keywords:

Hong Kong identity, constructionism, post-colonialism, ethnic identity

Abstract

This literature review analyses academic research on Hong Kong identity, focusing on the dynamic construction of Hong Kong identity before and after the 1997 handover and the trends that have emerged in this field in recent years. The review emphasizes that the identity of "HongKonger" is a historically and culturally constructed process that blends Chinese pan-cultural roots with Western influences in colonial and postcolonial contexts. Related research mainly explores political events, cultural symbols, and community interactions, while emerging research explores identity construction on social media. Existing quantitative research faces limitations due to inconsistent definitions of identity in questionnaires. This article concludes that Hong Kong identity remains fluid and is influenced by the changing historical, political, and cultural landscape, and more nuanced methods are needed to capture its complexity.

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