Social Identity and Education: Stories of Hong Kong (Potential) Migrants

Drawing on social identity theory and the conceptual figure of the stranger, this study examines how (potential) Hong Kong migrants utilize migration and education in the host society to sustain a social identity centered on the advocacy of democracy and freedom. Meanwhile, the study demonstrates that, following migration, (potential) Hong Kong migrants encounter or anticipate cultural differences between themselves and out-groups in the host society, which lead to the reshaping and critical reflection of their identities, as well as experiences of discrimination. These findings were generated through the use of an innovative research method–story completion–which had not previously been employed in the field of migration and education. Therefore, in addition to advancing understanding of the interrelationships between education and identity through the case of Hong Kong migrants in the UK, this study also makes a significant methodological contribution to the field.

Recommended citation: Chun Hong Yan and Manni Cheung. (2026). "Social Identity and Education: Stories of Hong Kong (Potential) Migrants." The 2026 Taiwan Education Research Association (TERA) Conference and The World Education Research Association (WERA) Focal Meeting, October 15-18, 2026, National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan. (Forthcoming.)