Hong Kong Individualism Essay

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Individualism From the above definition of neo liberalism, welfare and well - being are viewed as ‘private’ concerns. Wong and Lui (1994) proposed that individualism is the “hall mark of Hong Kong ethos”, which stressed on individual responsibility, self- reliance and unwillingness to dependent on welfare. (as cited in Wilding, Huque & Tao, 1998) The formulation and implementation of social welfare policy can be traced back to the ‘last’ social policy paper in 1991- White paper, which is template or blueprint, uses to formulate the social policy in the future. It clearly indicated the philosophy of social welfare provision which is providing service without creating dependency culture that lower the incentive of recipient to work and challenge the productivity of Hong Kong (Hong Kong Government, 1991, as cited in …show more content…

Hong Kong government successfully limited its role and promoted free market for individuals and private business sectors to accumulate wealth. Early from the colonial government’s first laissez –faire to later positive non- intervention, it keeps minimizing economic role. According to first Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Tung Chee- Hwa’s speech after Asian economic crisis, he proposed to reduce the size of government, re- define the responsibilities of state and reduce unnecessary intervention (Tung, 2003). The major keys of economic success of Hong Kong can be reflected in neo- liberalism which are minimal intervention and maximum economic support. (Hong Kong Government, 1996 as cited in Wilding, Huque & Tao, 1997) Minimal government intervention can be reflected by the overall welfare expenditure in Hong Kong. The total expenditure on social security in the whole GDP in Hong Kong is 0.56% in 1990 which is even less than 0.58% in 1985. (CSD, 1991) This percentage is much lower than other western industrialized countries with similar economic state. (Chiu & Wong,

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