Intergenerational Conflict or Solidarity in Hong Kong? A Survey of Public Attitudes toward Social Spending

Abstract

This study aims to investigate age-related differences in social spending preference in an Asian context, drawing on a random survey of more than 1,000 adults in Hong Kong in 2013. Contrary to conventional wisdom, older adults in Hong Kong do not exert a significant impact on the positive attitudes toward spending on retirement income protection. They oppose more spending on welfare in general and government assistance to the poor in particular. Based on descriptive statistics, many young people support increased spending on welfare and assistance to the poor. Our findings confirm, to some extent, reciprocity and solidarity in intergenerational relationships in Hong Kong. This reflects unique and significant but changing social values held by different generations in a dynamic, demographically pressured Asian society. Amidst rising intergenerational conflict in different contexts in Asia, this study has profound implications for policymakers.