Young night drifters in Hong Kong

Abstract

This research took a different standpoint from conventional juvenile delinquent approach in understanding young night drifting behaviour in Hong Kong. It adopts a spatial-temporal approach in understanding how young night drifting is motivated by wider environment. The backdrop to this research was Tseung Kwan O. It investigates (i) how social environment of a young night drifter situated at affect their use of time and motivates them in engaging in young night drifting; (ii) the spatial characteristics of Tseung Kwan O in encouraging young night drifting behaviour; and (iii) characteristics that demonstrate that young night drifting is a product of the interplay between social environments of a young night drifter and the spatial characteristics of Tseung Kwan O.

Four in-depth interviews were conducted with young night drifters in Tseung Kwan O for the purpose of exploring the effects of social environment on their use of time. Two interviews with social workers and field observations were conducted to understand the spatial characteristics of Tseung Kwan O. Research findings indicate that young night drifting in Tseung Kwan O results from the interaction between time and space. The social environment of a young individual would generate a time schedule that motivates young night drifting. Coupled with availability of public spaces and the lack of youth facilities in Tseung Kwan O, night-time schedule is established and facilitated. Night activities have become more visible and young individuals whom consumes the night are easily labelled as young night drifters.

This research highlights the significance in understanding young night drifting in Tseung Kwan O from an alternative perspective. It suggests that instead of a form of juvenile delinquency, it should be considered as a product of the inadequacy of the environment they are situated in.