Thesis (M.S.)--University of Hong Kong, 2000. / Also available in print.

Wenyi Qingnian （文藝青年）, or Wenqing, in its most straightforward and literal sense, refers to youths interested in culture and art. Rooted in modern Chinese history, the term reemerged in today Hong Kong when local young people were spotted dressing themselves in particular styles; joining particularly cultural activities; and gathering themselves in collectives. By now, it has become a common term. On the one hand, this group of young people, in their preference for culture and art and in their pursuits not dictated by social and filial expectations, may constitute alternative and even counter-culture to dominant values of Hong Kong, having their creative careers and delivering their creativity. On the other hand, it is increasingly portrayed by media as yet another group of youthful victims of consumer culture and trend-followers. The project focuses on a recent phenomenon in Hong Kong: the emergence of a group of youths who are loosely called wenyi qingnian 文藝青年 (Literary Youths). It aims to study their history, creativity and politics, particularly in the contemporary context of Hong Kong.

This study analyzes political, cultural, and social factors that influence democratization using Hong Kong as a case study. Hong Kong is a transitional society which provides a unique set of political and social characteristics for which to study democratic transition. Additionally, reports of political repression from the 2004 Legislative Council election have possibly created a crisis for the democratization process. Drawing from existing literature in theories of democratization, political repression and Hong Kong politics several hypotheses were developed. It was hypothesized that unchecked hegemonic deterrence, antidemocratic elites, and a weak political culture have contributed to a lack of democratization. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that political repression has also contributed to Hong Kong’s lack of democratization. The relationships between unchecked hegemonic deterrence, anti-democratic elites, and weak political repression in limiting democratization were upheld. However, the link between political repression and lack of democratization was not supported due to insufficient evidence.

Abstract not available

published_or_final_version / Social Work / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Geography and Geology / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Ecology and Biodiversity / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / History / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Ecology and Biodiversity / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Zoology / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy