The Political Subcultures of University Students in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan

Abstract

Political culture in this article is defined as citizens` subjective attitudes toward politics. Based on questionnaire surveys, this study compares the orientations of university students in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan toward the general political system and the individual self as a participant in politics; it also compares their conceptions of democracy. The findings indicate that despite a common Confucian heritage, the political subcultures of university students in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are quire distinct from each other. Macau students appear to be more traditional in outlook and eager to have an omnipotent government that takes care of citizens` interests, while a plurality of Taiwan students prefers a strong, authoritarian regime to restore political and social order in Taiwan. Hong Kong students are inclined to accept the democratic values introduced by the British colonial government.