Young people’s sense of fairness and social action: A survey analysis of Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao

Abstract

Based on a comparative survey conducted in 2016, this article explores the social actions of young people in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao from the perspective of social injustice and social frustration as advanced by Gurr (2011). Applying a two-dimensional model of perceptions of social and individual fairness, it is found that young people in Taiwan and Hong Kong have higher levels of frustration and show greater tolerance and acceptance towards radical confrontational approaches than those in Macao. Furthermore, in Hong Kong, young people with a higher level of both social and individual unfairness display more interest in local politics, are more likely to take part in social movements, and are more inclined to agree to a radical confrontational approach.