Socio-spatial polarization and the (re-)distribution of deprived groups in world cities: A case study of Hong Kong

Socio-spatial polarization and the (re-)distribution of deprived groups in world cities: A case study of Hong Kong
Huiwei Chen, Mee Kam Ng, Murat Es, Joanna Lee, Winnie W. S. Mak, Yuying Tong, Wu Ka Ming & Huiquan Zhou
This paper draws on theoretical discussions of world cities to analyze socio-spatial polarization and (re-)distribution of deprived groups in Hong Kong in the 2000s. Intensifying global economic restructuring processes have induced socio-economic polarization, thereby producing deprived groups although the spatial outcomes may depend on the city-specific context. When local policies do not counteract the polarization trend, a spatial manifestation of widening socio-economic gaps can be expected.
Intensified pro-growth policies adopted since Hong Kong’s return
to Chinese rule in 1997 and during its economic recession in the
early 2000s have worsened the impact of globalization-induced
socio-economic and spatial restructuring. Census data from 2001
and 2011 show increasingly differentiated socio-economic profiles
at the district level. The analysis offered in this study also points to
a decreased socially mixed society in 2011 when the deprived
groups lived in districts with less presence of the advantaged
population.

Publication date

2018

Journal title, volume/issue number, page range

Urban Geography 39(7), pp.969-987

ISSN

0272-3638 (print); 1938-2847 (web)

Specialisation

Social Sciences

Theme

Other