A qualitative study in the ethnic identification processes of Hakka people in Hong Kong: The role of family socialization among generations of Hakka

Abstract

This study, dealing with the evolution of Hakka ethnicity in Hong Kong, explores the responses of Hakka interviewees from four generations of Hakka. Differences existed between these generations as a result of a change in socialization, which was connected to a change in the economic structure of Hong Kong, leading Hakka people to slip away from their village environment to the city; this had a profound effect on family and social networks that play a major part in defining Hakka ethnicity. By looking at socialization effects on language, behavioral qualities and the celebration of Hakka culture at traditional festivals, it is hoped that this thesis will shed light on Berry’s acculturation model, which only serves to show that the dominant culture or the culture of origin is either fully rejected or fully retained. In the case of this study on the Hakka, Berry’s argument falls short for the Hakka people have adopted a strategy, wherein they have only modified, rather than retaining or rejecting, their own culture in the light of changing circumstances.