The Changing Landscape of Good Citizenship in Hong Kong: Government Narratives and Educational Implications

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 7:45 am - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Educating for Democracy in International Contexts

Abstract

This article explores the evolving construction of good citizenship in Hong Kong, particularly in the context of significant socio-political changes following the implementation of the National Security Law in 2020. By analyzing government documents and endorsed curricula, the study identifies a shift from previously diverse interpretations of citizenship to a more politicized narrative that emphasizes Chineseness, uncritical patriotism, national identity, and law-abidingness. Utilizing a four-dimensional framework—personal, societal, political, and global—the article highlights how each dimension has been reconceptualized to align with governmental objectives, often at the expense of critical engagement and inclusivity. The findings raise important questions about the implications of these changes for citizenship education, the autonomy of educators, and the voices of ordinary citizens

Author

• Jason Cong Lin, The Education University of Hong Kong