Mass Support for the Umbrella Movement

This article identifies the factors underlying the massive participation in the Umbrella Movement. From a mass values approach, support for democracy and trust that the Chinese government in upholding its promises are found to be statistically significant in explaining the massive support for the Umbrella Movement. From a performance perspective, the perceived performance of the HKSAR government in handling China-Hong Kong tensions, the perceived economic performance and upward social mobility of Hong Kong, have also shaped the support of the movement. The findings suggest the enormous challenge that faces Beijing to address the younger generation’s aspirations of democracy and greater propensity to join civil disobedience movements in the future.