Equity in Redistribution to the Elderly and Children: An Intergenerational Conflict in Hong Kong?

Similar to other developed economies, Hong Kong is an ageing society and it is argued that there is an intergenerational conflict over welfare resources between the older and younger people. A concern has arisen for a long... [ view full abstract ]

Similar to other developed economies, Hong Kong is an ageing society and it is argued that there is an intergenerational conflict over welfare resources between the older and younger people. A concern has arisen for a long time among social policy analysts about horizontal equity and intergenerational fairness. Individuals in childhood and old age (especially after retirement) receive most financial and other help from the government. Nevertheless, there is little research on public expenditure on the elderly and children in the Hong Kong context. In this study, we aim to tackle this important issue through analyzing public spending on the elderly and children using a mixed method. Policy implications are drawn to inform the debate regarding the financial sustainability and legitimacy of aged-related public expenditure in an Asian context.