Mood of mainland-born Hongkongers consistently better than those born in city, survey finds
Hong Kong Free Press
The mood of Hongkongers born in mainland China has consistently been better than those born in the city, a survey has found.
The Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (PORI) released the results of its latest public sentiment index on Tuesday. The poll, which has been conducted since 1992, aims to quantify Hongkongers’ sentiments in relation to livelihood issues, their satisfaction with the government and other topics.
Figures from the institute showed that, in the first half of the year, the public sentiment of those born in the city stood at 100.6, while the index stood at 130.5 for those born in mainland China. The normal level of the index is set at 100 and the standard deviation at 15.
The numbers reflect a continuing trend of more positive sentiment among those born in mainland China compared to people born in Hong Kong. According to the poll’s press release showing results starting from mid-2002, the index for those with mainland China as their place of birth has consistently been higher.
The poll also surveys the public sentiment of people born in places other than Hong Kong and China. The index of this group has generally been in between Hong Kong and mainland-born respondents, although it has edged closer to those born in mainland China in recent years.
During PORI’s analysis period of July 2002 to July 2024, 541,124 respondents were interviewed via random telephone survey, whilst the latest preliminary set of figures involved a sample size of 671.
Public sentiment lowest in 2019
The public sentiment poll is one of many that the research institute conducts on a rolling basis to gauge the public’s views on society, including the political environment.
According to PORI, the public sentiment poll asks questions such as whether they trust the Hong Kong government, as well as their satisfaction with Hong Kong’s political, economic and livelihood conditions.
Data showed that the public sentiment index for all groups, regardless of their place of birth, was lowest in the second half of 2019. During that period, Hong Kong saw city-wide protests and unrest against a controversial extradition bill that would have allowed the transfer of fugitives to mainland China.
The bill was later scrapped, but the demonstrations had ballooned into a wider display of opposition to Hong Kong and Beijing authorities, as well as police’s alleged use of force in handling the protests.
During those six months, the public sentiment index of people born in Hong Kong was 58.7, while the figure was 80.2 for those born in mainland China.
Public sentiment was at its highest in the second half of 2005, before a generally downward trend was recorded. There were peaks in public sentiment in the second half of 2017 and more recently in the first half of 2023, when the index reached levels not seen since 2007.
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