
Ariel Chan
I am a third year sociology PhD. I am currently studying the rise of nationalism in Hong Kong curricula using topic modeling. I am also interested in studying perception of consent in the public sphere. Outside of work, I love to travel and explore new restaurants!
Project Description
How has contemporary Chinese nationalism, particularly its authoritarian and exclusionary aspects, shape Hong Kong's education policies from 2001 to 2024? As a crucial case study, Hong Kong illustrates how education systems can be strategically manipulated to align local identities with central government ideologies. It underscores the role of educational policies in consolidating national identity and reinforcing ideological control, reflecting the repressive shifts in education seen worldwide. My question at hand connects to my larger sociological interest in the global rise of authoritarianism. This shift towards a more exclusionary and intolerant nationalism mirrors a broader global trend of rising authoritarianism and weakening democratic institutions. Specifically, I am developing a new theoretical framework called "ideological nationalism" to unpack how state power and sovereignty are articulated through educational reforms, under which students’ beliefs are reshaped to align with state priorities. Ultimately, my study highlights the urgent need to understand the role of education in shaping and advancing nationalism in the 21st century. Through this project, I hope to contribute to important discussions on nationalism, governance, and political control in our increasingly illiberal world.