How Do Asylum Seekers Cope with Destitution in One of the World’s Costliest Cities: Hong Kong?

• In Event: 4151 - International Migration Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 min): Table 2: Critical Refugee Studies II

Abstract

Objectives: This study examines asylum seekers’ strategies to cope with destitution in one of the world’s most expensive cities—Hong Kong, under limited welfare provision and work prohibition. Bourdieu’s economic, cultural and social capital, supplemented by Granovetter’s twofold social network, are applied to guide the research analysis. Method: In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 adult asylum seekers. Results: Social capital serves a pivotal role for asylum seekers to cope with destitution. Weak ties, particularly people with commonalities in terms of identity, religious belief, ethnicity and language link, enable them to access community information and social support. Speaking fluent local and international languages, that is, embodied cultural capital, strengthen their capabilities of establishing social networks.

Authors

• Ka Wang Kelvin Lam, Chinese University of Hong Kong

• Hua Zhong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong