The current Hong Kong educational situation in comparative perspective

This thesis explores the issue of adaptation within Hong Kong society to political change, with special emphasis on Hong Kong education. Chapter One introduces the problem: two societies, which differ in political and economic systems and in social structures, will merge under one authority. The People's Republic of China will assume sovereignity over Hong Kong and form 'one country, two systems'. The emergence of the topic as a public issue in Hong Kong resulting in tension and realignment of political power is described. The comparative element is introduced with a discussion of contemporary areas of convergence and divergence between Hong Kong and the PRC. Chapter Two extends the comparative element in the thesis with a description of Hong Kong in terms of its socio-political, economic, and educational systems. The emphasis is on aspects of these systems which may contradict existing systems of the PRC. The chapter also highlights examples of public response to previous social cnange in Hong Kong. Chapter Three discusses the comparable systems of the PRC. The thesis argues in Chapters Two and Three that tension may emerge 2 3 because of structural contradictions between the systems in Hong Kong and the PRC. The preceding macro analysis is grounded by, and narrowed by an emprirical investigation into one example of adjustment to the transfer which the thesis argues is occuring in Hong Kong. Chapter Four describes this research and demonstrates that the established culturally-based behavior patterns relating to educational and occupational choices are persisting in the present period of transition. The thesis concludes in Chapter Five with a discussion of various scenarios possible for Hong Kong education during and after the transition period. In its conclusion the thesis argues that the social change brought about by the transfer of sovereignity can be prepared for, with purposive and selective adjustment