Community-based social movement

Abstract

Recent highly publicized incidences such as the protests related to environmental issues and conservation of historical buildings/monuments (Queen's Pier), urban re-development (Wan Chai Redevelopment), privatization of public asset (LINK), etc. seem to demonstrate a new trend in social movements, which differ from the traditional trade unions, grassroots, and political movements in Hong Kong. Such movements are characterized by relatively loose organization and membership structure but with substantial mobilization power. New communication medium enabled by the internet are widely used to promote their causes, engage the public, and mobilize supporters. Their members are usually younger and belong to a wider socio-economic spectrum. These new organizations often form ac-hoc alliances among themselves or with traditional movements for various causes. The issues they addressed often related to a consciousness of the relationship between the actors and their living environment instead of direct political, class or welfare interests. This paper aims at understanding the formation, structure and mobilizing strategies of these organization and look at its implications for the future development of social movement in Hong Kong.