The Politics of Education Reform in China's Hong Kong

Education reform in the HKSAR has been a highly political issue since the transfer of sovereignty to the PRC, with Lo and Hung examining the key elements of education reform, including language and curriculum reform, national security education, civic and patriotic education, the rise of pro-Beijing education elites, and the revamp of examination questions and examination authority. This has led to a process of mainlandization in the Hong Kong education system, emphasizing political correctness in understanding Chinese national security, history, and culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Education reform has emerged as a contentious political issue in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) since the transfer of sovereignty to the People's Republic of China (PRC). In their insightful work, Lo and Hung delve into the intricate political dynamics that have shaped this reform process. They examine the complex interplay between the government of Hong Kong, the Catholic Church, parents, students, teachers, the central authorities in Beijing, and even the bureaucratic politics between Beijing, the Hong Kong government, and the Examination Authority.

The authors meticulously analyze the key elements of education reform in the HKSAR, encompassing language and curriculum reform, national security education, civic and patriotic education, the emergence of pro-Beijing education elites and interest groups, and the overhaul of examination questions and examination authority. Their comprehensive analysis sheds light on the transformative impact of education reform on the Hong Kong education system, leading it toward a process of mainlandization. This shift has resulted in a closer alignment of Hong Kong's education system with the mainland's, with a heightened emphasis on political correctness in the understanding of Chinese national security, history, and culture.

This book holds immense significance for scholars and researchers interested in Hong Kong and China, particularly those who explore the intricate relationship between education and politics. It provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics and challenges faced by the HKSAR during this period of educational reform, offering valuable perspectives and insights into the ongoing political and social dynamics in the region.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367706241