Social Inequality and the Rise of Localism in Hong Kong

Stephen Robert Nagy

An increasing number of people define themselves as Hong Kong citizens or as Chinese Hong Kong citizens, rather than as Chinese citizens. This shift in identity accompanies growing social inequality, revealed by Hong Kong’s Gini Coefficient increasing from 0.525 in 2001 to 0.537 in 2011. Rising social inequality has led to localism/local-based nationalism. Is there a relationship between social inequality and increased localism? This paper argues that the growth of social inequality and increased localism in Hong Kong is partially related to migration schemes employed there to attract highly skilled global talent. This calls attention to increasing intra-ethnic distinction and discrimination in Hong Kong and its relationship to growing social inequality and localism.