Hong Kong’s Housing Policy

This book examines housing policy in Hong Kong using a new and unique interdisciplinary approach—combining the philosophical discussion on social justice with policy and housing studies. It considers both Western and Chinese concepts of social justice, and investigates the role of social justice in a public policy such as housing. As a philosophical treatise on social administration, the book will be of interest to philosophy, public administration, and housing studies academics and students of all countries. Since Hong Kong represents a very special case with massive governmental intervention into the housing market, housing professionals and policy makers will find the analysis of Hong Kong’s housing policy useful.

Betty Yung completed her PhD at the School for Policy Studies of the University of Bristol, specializing in housing policy. Previously she taught and conducted research in the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the City University of Hong Kong. She is now working for the Hong Kong government.

“The book is unique in considering social justice and housing in this depth. It would certainly appear on reading lists and have an international appeal because of the considered philosophical coverage.” —Dr Peter King, De Montfort University, author of A Social Philosophy of Housing and Private Dwelling

“Philosophy and policy are rarely connected in academic debate. Yet, as this study demonstrates, policy development and policy consequences involve fundamental questions of moral and political philosophy. In this original and insightful study, Dr. Yung asks, What is a just housing policy? In doing so, she applies different theories of social justice to an examination of the evolution of housing policies in Hong Kong. This is a challenging book which offers a new perspective to the policy studies literature.” —Professor Ray Forrest, University of Bristol

“In a society where economic growth triumphs, the question of social justice is seldom studied. This book fills an important gap by exploring the important question of justice in the housing policy of Hong Kong. Applying the principles of social justice to the evaluation of social policy is a necessary but difficult task. The book is clear in argument, assessable in style, and rich in details. Through interdisciplinary research, it contributes to the literature of applied social philosophy and social policy study.” —Professor Joseph C.W. Chan, The University of Hong Kong