Growing socio-economic inequalities

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Abstract

After the handover in 1997, Hong Kong was doing quite well, but not all workers and households could benefit from the economic success. This chapter analyzes the changes in income dispersion in Hong Kong during the period from 1997 to 2016. All income inequality measures presented show that the income dispersion has widened continuously. The single-person households and two-person households have the lowest growth in median income and the most uneven distribution of income when compared with households with three or more members. Moreover, there was increasing number of elderly living alone. As Hong Kong is facing an aging population, these changes have important policy implications. If not treated properly, it is highly likely that these issues could gradually evolve into a social time bomb.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRoutledge Handbook of Contemporary Hong Kong
EditorsTai-lok LUI, Stephen W. K. CHIU, Ray YEP
PublisherTaylor and Francis Ltd.
Chapter14
Pages247-258
Number of pages12
ISBN (Electronic)9781317337379, 9781317337362
ISBN (Print)9781138959934
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2018

Publication series

NameRoutledge Handbook of Contemporary Hong Kong

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