SOSC 103DSocial Inequality in HK

Lecture 15: Poor People in Hong Kong

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Poverty in an Affluent Society

Who are the poor people in Hong Kong?

What are their living conditions? Public and social attitudes towards

them? How are they being protected by the

social security/ welfare system?

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Poor People in Hong Kong

1. Unemployed people (long-term) Aged population, Single parents,

and

those who suffer from chronic illness

2. The working poor Unskilled labour, Contract workers

3. Offspring of the existing poor

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The old poor

Receiving less than $2,000 per month per head (CSSA)

Additional income/ resources

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The working poor Long working hours

security guide: 12 hours/ day cleansing workers: 10.2 hours/ day

Low income Cleansing workers: $3,600/ month ($12-15/

hour)

Outsource workers E.g. work in public toilets (<$3,500 vs

$5,300-$5,900)

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Outsource workers Short-term employment

6 months, 1 months, 1 week, 1 day/ 1 night

Intensive and heavy workload

Lack of legal protection Wage reduction Holidays MPF Insurance

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Common characteristics Low education and limited skills

Weak social network (socially isolated)

Unstable and low household income

Lack of bargaining power In terms of income and other benefits

Choice between keeping the low income job or applying for social assistance

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Districts of Poverty

Poor people are clustered in:

1. Sham Shui Po (new immigrants, ethnic minorities)

2. Kwun Tong (aged population, working-class families)

3. Yuen Long (new immigrants, single-parent families, unemployed families)

From: HK's Disdvantaged - Christine Loh's Newsletter, 23/10/04

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24 October 2004

Sham Shui Po is the poorest district in Hong Kong. Income gap between the rich and poor families is 25 times. 10% of the population is living below poverty line.

Living Standard

- Housing conditions

- Expenses on food

- Transportation costs

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Common Characteristics Geographically concentrated

Low income Limited economic activities Low employment opportunities (vicious circle)

From financial problem to other familial problems

Labeling/ discrimination

Geographically isolated Limited interaction with the society

Lack of resources and support from the society

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Intergenerational Poverty

Life chances of the children from low income families Educational opportunities Employment opportunities Social network and support Living qualities

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Readings:

Wong, Hung (2003) “The Quality of Life of Hong Kong's Poor Households in the 1990s: Cost of Living, Income Security and Poverty Situation”