Social Problems in Macau

Abstract

This article examines the current social problems in Macau—inequalities, problems in urban housing, traffic and transportation, air pollution, crime and deviant behaviour, and education. It does not focus on one social problem in detail; rather, it attempts to offer a broad picture of the issues from a sociological perspective. To help solve these problems, it seems that Macau has to build a stronger civil society and continue to democratise its political system. How Macau deals with these problems will determine the identity that people in Macau want to build for themselves1.This city of indulgence need not fearThe major sins by which the heart is killed, And governments and men are torn to pieces:Religious clock will strike; the childish vices Will safeguard the low virtues of the child And nothing serious can happen here.W. H. Auden (1938)