Cultivating resilience among Hong Kong's underprivileged ethnic minority groups in the face of a pandemic through a social justice lens
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
ISSN: 2040-7149
Article publication date: 28 February 2023
Issue publication date: 22 August 2023
Abstract
Purpose
In this study, the authors investigated ways to cultivate resilience through a social justice lens among ethnic minorities against COVID-19 in Hong Kong.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative (case study) methodology was adopted to interview 15 social service providers from diverse ethnic backgrounds serving disadvantaged ethnic minority groups (South and Southeast Asian groups from low-income households, foreign domestic workers and asylum seekers/refugees).
Findings
Two major protective factors were identified, contributing to the development of resilience among diverse ethnic groups: (1) individual-based resilience (including being optimistic) and (2) socio-environmental factors (including ongoing support from strong family, peer and religious settings' support, consulates' support, on-going material and nonmaterial donations, support of young volunteers and importance of online connection and communication) using the integration of resilience and social justice frameworks.
Originality/value
This study showed that the protective factors were found to dynamically interact with each other and the environment. The present study recommends additional culturally sensitive service and policy implications for preventing the long-term impact of mass crises among Hong Kong's marginalized minorities.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study was funded by the first author's affiliated university. Faculty Research Grant, No: SSFRG/20/2/1) in Hong Kong. The points of view expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not represent the official views of the institution/the funding body. The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.
Citation
Arat, G., Eryigit-Madzwamuse, S. and Hart, A. (2023), "Cultivating resilience among Hong Kong's underprivileged ethnic minority groups in the face of a pandemic through a social justice lens", Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Vol. 42 No. 7, pp. 829-847. https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-06-2022-0149
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited