In: Routledge Contemporary China Series
"In the autumn of 2014, thousands of people, young and educated in their majority, occupied the chief business district and seat of the government in Hong Kong. The protest, known as the Umbrella Movement, called for genuine democracy, as well as a fairer social and economic system. The book aims to provide a dynamic framework to explain why socioeconomic forces converged to produce such a situation. Examining increasing inequality, rising prices and stagnating incomes, it stresses the role of economic and social factors, as opposed to the domestic political and constitutional issues often assumed to be the root cause behind the protests. It first argues that globalization and the increasing influence of Chinas economy in Hong Kong has weighted on salaries. Second, it shows that the oligopolistic nature of the local economy has generated rents, which have reinforced inequality. The book demonstrates that the younger generation, which is still finding its place in society, has been particularly affected by these phenomena, especially with social mobility at a low point.Offering a new approach to studying the Umbrella Movement, this book will appeal to students and scholars interested in Hong Kong's political landscape, as well Chinese politics more broadly."--Provided by publisher.
In: Routledge contemporary China series 185
In: Routledge Contemporary China Series
part, Introduction -- chapter Notes -- chapter Bibliography -- part, 1 The institutional context: the main principles of 'One Country, Two Systems' and the National People's Congress Standing Committee decision -- chapter A short recall of the main principles of the Basic Law and their interpretation -- chapter The effective power of the Chief Executive between theory and practice: a literature review and interpretation of the crisis of legitimacy of the government -- chapter Notes -- chapter Bibliography -- part, 2 The bumpy road of Hong Kong economy between China and globalization, and the disenchantment of the youth -- chapter The changing position of Hong Kong as intermediary: globalization process and China's influence -- chapter The disenchantment of the youth and the difficulties of the middle class -- chapter Notes -- chapter Bibliography -- chapter 3 China and globalization forces in the rise of inequality and the prospects for the educated youth -- chapter 4 Closing the loop: oligopolistic Hong Kong - the local economy in the shadow of the Competition Ordinance and taxation policies.
Taylor and Francis
9781351255486, 9781351255516, 9780815368236
First edition.
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