When Did Sociology Emerge in Hong Kong?352

Sociology as a discipline emerged in Hong Kong in the early 20th century, influenced by both Western sociological theories and the unique social and political context of the city. The first formal sociology courses were offered at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) in the 1920s, and the first sociology department was established at HKU in 1967.

The early development of sociology in Hong Kong was shaped by the city's colonial status and its close ties to Britain. Many of the early sociologists in Hong Kong were British scholars who brought with them Western sociological theories and methods. However, these theories were often adapted to fit the specific social and political context of Hong Kong, which was a densely populated urban center with a complex mix of Chinese and Western cultures.

One of the key figures in the early development of sociology in Hong Kong was Maurice Freedman, a British anthropologist who conducted fieldwork in the New Territories in the 1950s and 1960s. Freedman's work on Chinese lineage and kinship systems had a major impact on the development of sociology in Hong Kong, and he is considered one of the founders of the discipline in the city.

In the 1960s and 1970s, sociology in Hong Kong began to take on a more本土化focus, as local scholars began to apply sociological theories to the study of Hong Kong society. This period saw the emergence of a number of important sociological studies on topics such as housing, poverty, and social change.

The development of sociology in Hong Kong has been closely linked to the city's rapid economic and social development. As Hong Kong has transformed from a manufacturing hub to a global financial center, sociologists have played an important role in understanding the social and economic changes that have accompanied this transformation.

Today, sociology is a well-established discipline in Hong Kong, with a number of universities offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in sociology. Hong Kong sociologists have made significant contributions to the field, both in terms of theoretical development and empirical research. The discipline continues to play an important role in understanding the social and economic challenges facing Hong Kong in the 21st century.## Key Dates in the Development of Sociology in Hong Kong
* 1920s: First sociology courses offered at the University of Hong Kong
* 1950s-1960s: Maurice Freedman conducts fieldwork in the New Territories
* 1967: First sociology department established at HKU
* 1960s-1970s: Sociology in Hong Kong takes on a more本土化focus
* Today: Sociology is a well-established discipline in Hong Kong, with a number of universities offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in sociology

2024-10-19

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