Ethnic Differences in Neighboring Behavior in Urban China

Abstract

Using a data set collected in a Chinese city in 2001, I compare patterns of neighboring behavior between two ethnic groups (i.e., the Hui and Han) in urban China. Existing theories and evidence have generated different expectations about ethnic differences in voluntary association involvement. Findings from this paper contribute to race and ethnic studies by arguing that ethnic minority status is positively associated with neighboring; that instrumental exchange rather than expressive interaction underlies ethnic differences in urban neighboring; and that modifications of existing theories are warranted for research on ethnic differences in neighborliness in China. Findings of my research may also contribute to research on racial differences in neighboring in the United States.