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Bridging Caste Divides: Middle‐Status Ambivalence, Elite Closure, and Lower‐Status Social Withdrawal

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Listed:
  • Arjun Bhardwaj
  • Sushanta Kumar Mishra
  • Israr Qureshi
  • Kunal Kamal Kumar
  • Alison M. Konrad
  • Marc‐David L. Seidel
  • Babita Bhatt

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Arjun Bhardwaj & Sushanta Kumar Mishra & Israr Qureshi & Kunal Kamal Kumar & Alison M. Konrad & Marc‐David L. Seidel & Babita Bhatt, 2021. "Bridging Caste Divides: Middle‐Status Ambivalence, Elite Closure, and Lower‐Status Social Withdrawal," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 58(8), pages 2111-2136, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:jomstd:v:58:y:2021:i:8:p:2111-2136
    DOI: 10.1111/joms.12763
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Babita Bhatt & Israr Qureshi & Christopher Sutter, 2022. "How do Intermediaries Build Inclusive Markets? The Role of the Social Context," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 59(4), pages 925-957, June.
    2. Qureshi, Israr & Bhatt, Babita & Sutter, Christopher & Shukla, Dhirendra Mani, 2023. "Social entrepreneurship and intersectionality: Mitigating extreme exclusion," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 38(2).
    3. Saiyed, Abrar Ali & Wierenga, Marleen & Fernhaber, Stephanie A. & Nummela, Niina, 2023. "From grassroots to international markets: A qualitative study of marginalized entrepreneurs in India," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(5).
    4. Bhatt, Babita & Qureshi, Israr & Sutter, Christopher, 2022. "How do Intermediaries Build Inclusive Markets? The Role of the Social Context," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 59(4), pages 925-957.

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