Cultural Divergence in Cross-border Marriage in Hong Kong: A Call for Culturally Sensitive Approach in Social Work Practice

Abstract

The social phenomenon of cross-border marriages between Hong Kong men and Chinese women has contributed to the steady incoming immigrant women from the Mainland for family reunion. Despite the fact that both Hong Kong and the Mainland are Chinese societies, there exist a number of subtle differences in cultural practices and characteristics due to their different social, economic and political development. This paper would delineate the sources of influence affecting the cultural development of these two societies and the impact of the cultural variations on the daily life of the new immigrant women. Its implications are discussed in the context of the counselling process, hopefully to arouse more sensitivity to cultural issues in social work practice.