Supposed beneficiaries' opinions of anti-discrimination legislation in Hong Kong - Women's and the physically handicapped's viewpoint

Authors: Ng, Catherine W; Ng, Macauly P.Y.; Tse, Stephanie C.K.

Source: Equal Opportunities International, Volume 17, Number 6, 1998 , pp. 13-24(12)

Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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Abstract:

Conducts two studies, one among working women and one among the employed physically handicapped, to assess their feelings about the recent introduction of equal opportunity legislation in Hong Kong. Provides some background statistics on Hong Kong and outlines the development of anti-discrimination legislation. Asks 78 women and 10 physically handicapped people if they thought discrimination was serious in Hong Kong and if the anti-discrimination legislation and the Equal Opportunities Commission were effective in combating discrimination. Describes the methodology used and discusses the results. Reveals that both groups surveyed were ambivalent about discrimination, stating that legislation enforces behavioural changes but that they are only skin deep. Points out also that it is difficult to quantify discriminatory practices. Notes similarities between east and west, particularly with research suggesting that the only way forward in promoting equality is to reduce status distinctions for everyone and to make organizations much more democratic.

Keywords: Disabled People; Discrimination; Hong Kong; Women

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 1998-06-01