Date of Award

1-1-2002

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Edith Cowan University

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Faculty

Faculty of Communications, Health and Science

First Supervisor

Associate Professor Brian Shoesmith

Abstract

This thesis investigates the Cultural Studies paradigm 'hybridity' through an analysis of Hong Kong culture. In Cultural Studies, 'hybridity' is usually applied to cultures that have been influenced by another culture, resulting in a loss of identity, leading to a cultural mixture. As a former Colony comprising predominantly of a southern Chinese population, Hong Kong has been influenced by British culture. However, the question is whether Hong Kong culture has been 'hybridises', or, the Hong Kong people, in mastering two cultures, have become bicultural, and use their biculturalism bilaterally, as particular situations require. The study also researches the condition of Hong Kong culture when exported overseas through migration, and remigration, especially among Chinese. Other areas researched are Hong Kong culture's relationship to identity and ethnicity through film and language. The primary research data is sourced from surveys and interviews with Hong Kong Chinese people in Australia and Hong Kong. Secondary sources include written media, computer generated media, film, and television. The research uses a multiple design format of field: historical; content analysis; textual analysis; forensic, and anecdotal material. The findings will show that Hong Kong culture is dominated by Chinese cultures rather than Western culture and as such may not be regarded as a 'hybrid' culture, but as a conglomerate of independently used cultures. My research findings challenge the validity of the Cultural Studies use of hybridity in association with colonialism, and opens the way for other cultures designated as 'hybrid' to be re-examined within a similar research framework to this study.

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