Schools Peers and the Political Socialization of Young Social Movement Participants in Hong Kong
This study aims to understand the rise of youth activism in Hong Kong by focusing on the effects of schools and peers on political socialization. Based on thirteen focus group sessions with fifty six young social movement participants, this study argues that Liberal Studies and teachers are two important factors contributing to the political socialization in schools of these participants. Joining peer groups in which political activism is the norm and having peers who discuss important political events or controversies are two other common ways in which young people in Hong Kong are socialized to become social movement participants. However, to fully understand the effects of schools and peers in the political socialization of young social movement participants, it also is essential to consider the political context of Hong Kong.