Unpacking the antinomy of student politics: representation, activism, and (Dis)empowerment amid political turmoil

Abstract

This paper examines student politics—comprising representation and activism—in Hong Kong during the 2019 protests, a period marked by political turmoil and social unrest. Drawing on interviews with 26 student leaders, it explores how student organisations served as platforms for empowerment while also exposing internal divisions and marginalising dissenting voices. While student organisations empowered politically aligned individuals, they also sidelined those with moderate or alternative views, deepening divisions within the student body. These tensions became more pronounced as student activism leaned towards localism and radical approaches, particularly during a period of political transition. The findings highlight the antinomy of student politics: while representation and activism can foster political engagement and agency, it may simultaneously generate disempowerment by reinforcing exclusionary practices or provoking institutional constraints. This paper contributes to debates on participatory university governance and student empowerment by illustrating the tensions inherent in student politics in politically charged environments. It concludes by reflecting on the future of student representation in increasingly restrictive contexts.