1. SOSC 103D Social Inequality in HK Lecture 23: Inequality and stability

2. L23: 29.11.06 Subjective side of inequality 1. Distributional orderings: Occupation hierarchy –The legitimacy of the current objective orderings in society 2. Attitudes towards equality –Having a clear (if not strong) sense of inequality –Expecting some redistributive policies –Expecting government’s intervention

3. L23: 29.11.06 Subjective side of inequality (cont’) 3. To identify the potential group differences in attitudes towards inequality An important way to detect the unstable elements in our society  Who/ which groups are having the strongest sense of inequality  Who/ which groups are having a sense of injustice

4. L23: 29.11.06 Inequality and Instability In a highly unequal society, we expect:  People will react (fight back) when they have experienced social inequality and have sense of unfairness Marxist tradition Prediction of proletariat (class) revolution  People will support the political parties that represent their view to fight for their interests Party politics Organize collective action Gain the votes during election

5. L23: 29.11.06 Class Identification: i.the extent to which people personally identify with the class labels ii.the factors determine identification with particular classes Awareness of Class Interests: i.the implications of class position for broader political orientations and social behaviour Class positions Class consciousness Class-based actions

6. L23: 29.11.06 Class (stratum) Identification

7. L23: 29.11.06 Findings of related research 1.Hong Kong people are more comfortable to use the term ‘stratum’ and the term ‘class’ It is more easy for them (meaningful) to identify themselves as belonging to certain stratum 2.No homogeneous group of lower stratum or even middle stratum Members of the same identified stratum are having different background.

8. L23: 29.11.06 Class position and support for redistributive policies (% supporting)

9. L23: 29.11.06 Class position and support for redistributive policies (% supporting)

10. L23: 29.11.06 Class consciousness in HK FThe influence of rapid social and economic development FThe influence of colonial history (in terms of social support) FThe effect of Hong Kong Dream M Reexamination of current situation M Prediction of stability in future HK