Youth Social Movements and the Consolidation of Hongkonger’s Distinct Identity Before and After the Introduction of the New National Security Law

Abstract

In 2020, Hong Kong implemented the New National Security Law  (NNSL), effectively ending citizens’ protests in the city. Between 2014 and 2022, youths spearheaded various protests, including the 2014 Umbrella Movement, the 2019 Anti-Extradition Bill Protest and the 2020 NNSL Protest. Drawing on interviews with youth protesters and secondary sources, this study explores the connection between youth social movements and the exclusive identity of Hongkongers. This paper combines Christiansen’s (2009) stages of social movement theory with Tajfel and Turner’s (1979) social identity theory to explain the progression of youth movements that shaped the ‘we’ versus ‘they’ identity in Hong Kong. The research underscores the impact of mainland China’s intervention in local affairs, which has bolstered a civic identity in opposition to a state-constructed national identity.