USC U.S.-China Institute's video: Samson Yuen Discusses The Movement In Hong Kong

Samson Yuen, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science at Lingnan University in Hong Kong Prof. Yuen studies comparative politics, focusing on authoritarian and hybrid regimes. He's leading a team carrying out surveys among protestors, counter protestors and the general public. Samson Yuen noted the many ways that people participated in the protests: marching, contributing money or assistance, and publicizing the concerns and activities. Some 75% of the protestors he surveyed were college students or college graduates. About half identified as middle class and a smaller share identified as being of a lower economic class. His research showed the essential role played by social media in mobilizing and spreading news of the protests. -- Panelists examined the issues driving the protests in Hong Kong, the social composition and motivations of the protesters and counter-protesters, and how the various sides are using media to reach local, mainland and international audiences. This event was part of the USC Annenberg Communication 310 course, “Media and Society,” taught by Professor Robert Scheer.