Abstract

My dissertation examines housing inequality in Chinese cities, with a specific focus on Hong Kong and Shanghai. The first essay explores the psychological consequences of housing overcrowding in Hong Kong, unveiling a significant correlation between crowded housing and increased mental distress, especially among disadvantaged social groups. It further identifies the mitigating role of neighborhood social cohesion and the quality of the residential environment in moderating these negative effects, emphasizing the need for policy considerations related to housing conditions. The second essay scrutinizes how housing ownership influences prosocial behavior and civic participation in Hong Kong. The findings suggest that homeowners are more likely to engage in prosocial activities and civic groups. The study also uncovers generational shifts in the relationship between housing ownership, prosocial behaviors, and civic engagement, underscoring housing ownership as a critical policy priority for nurturing social cohesion and civic involvement. The third essay delves into the social consequences of residential mobility in Shanghai, focusing on both voluntary and involuntary mobility. It presents empirical evidence that involuntary residential mobility negatively affects individuals' sense of belonging and collective efficacy. The extent of these impacts depends on the timing and context of housing relocation policies. The three essays collectively highlight the profound social implications of housing conditions and residential mobility in densely populated Asian cities. They offer valuable insights for social scientists and policymakers by underlining the importance of addressing housing-related policy issues to promote mental health, civic engagement, and social cohesion.