Migrants’ Quotidian Lived Experiences and Ethnic Capital: A Comparative Case Study of Hong Kong British National (Overseas) Migrants in the UK

Whilst a considerable number of Hong Kong parent and schoolaged youth migrants have relocated to the UK, little is known about their familial migration and educational trajectories after migration. This qualitative study addresses this gap by examining the pertinent lived experiences of Hong Kong migrants. The study draws on data gathered from semi-structured interviews with two Hong Kong migrant families, as well as diaries and social network maps provided by the participants. The findings reveal that ethnic networks and ethnic norms are identified as two significant forms of ethnic capital, which can be leveraged to obtain educational information, facilitate adaptation to the new educational context, and shape migrant youths’ aspirations. It is important to note, however, that certain ethnic networks and norms may be perceived as ethnic deficits, potentially hindering Hong Kong migrants’ development in the UK, particularly in relation to their integration into the host society.