One country two systems: a comparative study of national identity between Hong Kong and Macau

Abstract

Drawing from dual attachment theory, this study utilizes newly released survey data to investigate issues regarding the national identity in Hong Kong and Macau that are governed under the “one country, two systems” principle. In both cities, we found a strong affinity for the local identity among the young generations, and a more balanced coexistence of both the local and the Chinese identities for the elder generations; there was a rejection of the Chinese identity for the young generation in Hong Kong. We argue that both civic and cultural elements are influential factors in shaping an individual’s identity, and that there is evidence of a complementing dual attachment; however, the complementary relationship becomes incompatible if generational differences are considered, suggesting that the dual attachment framework does not sufficiently address the issue of national identity for the young generation in Hong Kong.