Six in Seven: Hong Kong Labour at Street Level

‘Six in Seven’ refers to the fact that one in seven Hong Kongers is now a millionaire enriched mainly by the property market. This project examines others who are not part of this privileged ‘one in seven’ and perform some of the most visible forms of labour in Hong Kong. The project looks at the connection between the earnings of various forms of labour and their viability of entering the real estate market.

‘Six in Seven’ refers to the fact that one in seven Hong Kongers is now a millionaire enriched mainly by the property market. This project examines others who are not part of this privileged ‘one in seven’ and perform some of the most visible forms of labour in Hong Kong. The project looks at the connection between the earnings of various forms of labour and their viability of entering the real estate market. Using government data, their purchasing power is expressed in years of savings necessary to afford an apartment of less than 40 sqm in Hong Kong's median housing market. Using critical social theory the series questions dominant sources of power and flows of capital, it draws on Proudhon's concept of 'Collective Forces' and his ideas of the ‘Delusion of Property’ to point out the absurdity of the relationship between the labour at street level and Hong Kong real estate. Despite these overwhelming figures this project also showcases the hard-work, stoicism, and resilient spirit of the local population that sustain the needs of everyday city life, providing captivating and stark contrasts to those who work towering far above them in modern glass skyscrapers and the global image of Hong Kong.