Strength in Numbers: The Effect of Identity in the Catalonia and Hong Kong Movements

Abstract

Many studies have shown how identity plays a major role in determining political and ideological views. As support for an independent Catalonia and a democratic Hong Kong simultaneously increase, it begs the question if the uniqueness of their culture, history, and language play a factor in an individual’s decisions to join the movement. The goal of this essay will be to use opinion poll data to graph correlations between identity and independence support in Catalonia, and attempt to use it to predict the sentiment of those wishing for more democracy in Hong Kong. Chapters 2 and 3 will focus on Catalonia and Hong Kong, respectively, giving a brief overview of the regions, their history, and what has sparked the movements seen today. Chapter 4 will discuss prior literature regarding identity. Finally, I will use linear and local regression graphs from R Studio, as well Excel linear graphs to analyze correlation between surveyee demographic data and support for independence in Catalonia. The factors in which I find correlation will then be tested with the data available for Hong Kong, prior to conclusion.