THE (UN)SETTLING DRAGONS : THE SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT OF HONG KONG IMMIGRANTS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

This thesis examines how the Hong Kong immigrants adjust to life in Singapore. It explicates how the immigrants' expectations and their interactions with their host society shape their sense of identity and social participation. The in-depth interviews I conducted shed light on the way the immigrants modify and manage their expectations, as well as the role played by their social networks in the adjustment process. In particular, the role of the Kowloon Club as as an adaptive association is contrasted with that of the early Chinese clan associations. The study also identifies the challenges facing the immigrants in areas such as language and lifestyle. Furthermore, it evaluates the ability of the immigrants to adapt to their new surroundings and explores whether this has any impact on their decision to sink roots in Singapore.