Beholding Hong Kong Today? Justifying Securitization through (De)Politicization: A Content Analysis of Liberal Studies Textbooks

Background: In the 2021-2022 academic year, Liberal Studies (LS) of Hong Kong secondary education underwent a major reform. Significant changes made in the curriculum, including reduction in lesson hours and contents, have sparked discussions regarding their political implications. Method: This study applies Balzacq’s securitization theory to analyze the implementation of LS reforms in Hong Kong. A qualitative content analysis focusing on ‘politicization’ and ‘depoliticization’ was conducted on all five editions of the ‘Hong Kong Today’ textbooks published between 2012 and 2020. Results: Findings indicate that LS textbooks and examinations have undergone distinctive changes over time, reflecting a dynamic interplay (pre-2016 and post-2016) between politicization and depoliticization. These shifts align with broader political transformations and securitization efforts in Hong Kong. Conclusion: This study provides a nuanced understanding of how curriculum reforms reflect broader socio-political developments. Insights into the intersection of education and politics are drawn, with implications not only for Hong Kong but also for curriculum analysis in other contexts.