The Challenges for Chinese Merchants in BotswanaA Middleman Minority Perspective博茨瓦纳华商面临的挑战-从其身为中介少数 派的角度分析

Abstract

This paper discusses the challenges faced by Chinese merchants when engaging in retail activities in Botswana. The theory of a middleman minority will be used as a theoretical perspective to assess both the challenges and the strategies employed to meet them. The paper argues that Chinese merchants’ self-imposed isolation (combined with their sense of vulnerability as foreigners) is deeply rooted in their attitudes. This determines their circumstances and their responses to signs of hostility from the host society. On the other hand, the particular geographical location and economic situation of Botswana offers Chinese merchants opportunities to avoid competing among themselves and to manage their rejection by local society.