Does Government Intervention Enhance or Erode Social Capital? The Case of Ethnic Minority Associations in Hong Kong

• In Event: Civil society and democracy

Abstract

Does government intervention enhance or erode social capital? This paper addresses this question in the context of ethnic minority communities in Hong Kong. We examine how ethnic minority associations with different characteristics respond to various types of government intervention; and how the latter might condition the generation and sustenance of social capital in these associations. We also evaluate whether and how social capital affects these associations’ operation and performance.
Civic associations represent a prominent form of civic action, featuring voluntary participation, self-governance, and addressing community and public concerns (Andrews et al., 2010). Previous studies on civic associations have demonstrated their significant role in civil society and their importance in shaping the communities they serve (Vermeulen and Brünger, 2014). Despite their importance and distinctive organizational characteristics, we know little about why some civic associations perform better than others. Prior studies have shown that social capital plays a critical role in affecting the operation and performance of civic associations, especially for such disadvantaged communities as ethnic minorities, who have limited access to resources in their host society (Igalla, Edelenbos and van Meerkerk, 2020; Han, 2014; Putnam, 2001). In Hong Kong, the government has introduced a series of racial harmony policies and support measures for ethnic minority groups. Despite the good policy intent, some researchers and practitioners are concerned that government intervention could impede social capital development, undermining the groups’ collective action capacity (Lam and Nie, 2020; Wong, 2008). Others, however, argue the contrary, stating that reducing government support for civic engagement will have negative impacts on social capital building (Bloemraad, 2005; Varda, 2011). This study will contribute to this long-lasting debate by examining the relationships between government intervention and social capital formation, with a focus on factors that might condition the relationships.
A fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis of 18 ethnic minority associations in Hong Kong will be performed to analyze how government intervention, in combination with the characteristics of these associations, affects the formation and sustenance of social capital. In-depth comparative case studies will be conducted to unpack the mechanisms through which government intervention affects social capital. The research findings can inform policymaking with regard to social inclusion and civic engagement in the Asian context.

References

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Authors

• Mingmin Pan, Centre for Civil Society and Governance, the University of Hong Kong

• Wai-Fung LAM, Centre for Civil Society and Governance, the University of Hong Kong

• Winnie W Y Law, Centre for Civil Society and Governance, the University of Hong Kong

• Joyce Chow, Centre for Civil Society and Governance, the University of Hong Kong