Robert W Spires (2018) Hong Kong youth identity and self-presentation in the New Territories: A qualitative study on letters from youth and teachers to an NGO internship program

Abstract

Hong Kong youth issues have gained increased attention in recent years, particularly in light of youth protests and political involvement. In Hong Kong, NGOs are one avenue of intervention to address youth issues. This study examines the letters of youth from the New Territories, as well as their supporting secondary school teachers, to a Hong Kong NGO in order to gain placement in an NGO internship program. These letters are explored for issues of youth identity using the lens of dialogical self theory to better understand the impact of globalization on youth identity development. How the youth and their teachers present their strengths, weaknesses, personal characteristics and aspirations illuminates the processes of identity development. Further, the work of Slavoj Zizek is applied to the analysis of youth and teacher letters in order to better understand social understandings, anxieties and pressures, including those related to globalization and urbanization. This qualitative study contributes to the literature on youth in Hong Kong, and youth identity development in a variety of urban contexts.

Keywords: Hong Kong, youth, identity, globalization

Original image can be found here on Flickr

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Youth Voice Journal is an international, multidisciplinary, refereed journal that publishes theoretical contributions and empirical studies on international issues affecting young people. In particular, the Journal aims to: - provide a medium, especially for young researchers and young academics, to inform debates around social policy through high quality research; - provide a platform for the intellectual exchange of ideas around the globe with the aim of influencing policies and practices; - actively encourage and aide those young people whose voice is rarely heard by policy makers to contribute to the journal. Youth Voice Journal is published by RJ4All Publications and edited by Dr. Theo Gavrielides.

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