Bridging Caste Divides: Middle‐Status Ambivalence, Elite Closure, and Lower‐Status Social Withdrawal
研究基于印度种姓制度，发现中等地位个体因对同质性交友的矛盾心理而更可能建立多样化社交网络，而低等地位个体虽主动发起更多联系但关系不稳定，最终呈现退缩假象。
Abstract Network theory and research have identified the powerful dynamic of homophily whereby individuals are more likely to connect with similar rather than dissimilar others. However, less is known about when individuals might connect with dissimilar others to enhance organizational diversity benefits and mitigate social exclusion. This study builds upon prior evidence linking homophily to both elite group closure and lower‐status self‐segregating social withdrawal to propose a new dynamic of middle‐status ambivalence toward homophily, generating a greater propensity toward diversity. Indian society offers a unique context of a legally codified, stable, three‐tiered status hierarchy to test the idea that middle‐status individuals will develop the most diverse networks. Using a unique longitudinal friendship network dataset, we find empirical support for our prediction, a novel contribution extending classic homophily theory. In addition, due to potent status dynamics we theorize and find that lowest‐status group members initiate more ties over time but also exhibit lower tie stability and greater losses of early ties than higher‐status group members, resulting in the appearance of lowest‐status group homophilous withdrawal. Overall, we advance homophily theory and offer practical suggestions for organizations seeking to enhance social ties across diversity and improve the effectiveness of social inclusion policies.