Experiences of Chinese Young People in Devising Their Self-Development Plans in Hong Kong: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study examines the lived experiences of young people in their transition to adulthood in Hong Kong. It focuses on their self-development plan, the possible constraints they may encounter in their life transition to adulthood, and suggestions for a better transition to young adulthood. A purposive sample of 10 young people was interviewed. Themes that emerged included lack of concrete self-development plans among young people, prevalence of collective ‘self’, influence of Chinese value of ‘face’ culture, dependent on families for extended periods, alternative career plan, time and poor academic background as constraints to pursuing self-development plans, high tuition fees and travelling expense affecting training opportunities, difficulties of pursuing one’s own business due to domination of big enterprises, identity crisis in actualising self-development plans, importance of education as a form of self-development and need for training in interpersonal relationship and interviewing skills. This study has revealed insights on the self-development plans of young people affected by Chinese culture and values and the interplay of ecological systems in the Hong Kong context. The findings add to the understanding of the lived experience of young people in the transition to adulthood and can be used for mapping effective youth strategies and policies in Hong Kong.