Group Boundary Permeability Measure

The developing world is witness to a major urban transformation. How to facilitate intergroup relations between new migrants and long-time urban residents is a critical issue in developing societies globally. The current research explored the effect of group boundary permeability on intergroup prejudice by the case of rural-to-urban migration in China. As the boundary between rural-to-urban migrants and permanent urban residents in China can be ascribed to China's uniquehukousystem, we conducted three interrelated studies to approach the topic from the perspective of thehukousystem and its reforms. Study 1 used a correlational investigation and found a negative correlation between group boundary permeability and prejudice against rural-to-urban migrants. In Study 2, we manipulated the group boundary permeability using the points accumulation system scheme of thehukousystem reform, and found a causal effect of the group boundary permeability on the social distance of urban dwellers to migrants. In Study 3, using a more generalhukoureform scheme, that of gradually abolishing thehukousystem, we replicated the findings from Study 2 and further found that a permeable group boundary could reduce prejudice. These three studies suggest that the group boundary based on the Chinesehukousystem is an institutional cause of prejudice against rural-to-urban migrants. Our experimental manipulations can be interpreted as analogues to potential policy arena actions.

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In-group members' perceptions of a social mobility attempt: Effects of boundary permeability and outcome.

Group Dynamics Theory Research and Practice ◽

10.1037/1089-2699.5.2.81 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 81-91 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Kelly Charlton ◽

B. Ann Bettencourt

Keyword(s):

Social Mobility ◽

Boundary Permeability ◽

Group Members

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Crossing team boundaries: A theoretical model of team boundary permeability and a discussion of why it matters

Human Relations ◽

10.1177/0018726717735372 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 71 (7) ◽

pp. 925-950 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Rebekah Dibble ◽

Cristina B Gibson

Keyword(s):

Theoretical Model ◽

Future Research ◽

Boundary Permeability

Given the context in which teams work today, many teams are necessarily dynamic and permeable; that is, workers must be able to move quickly and easily in and out of teams, across team boundaries. We develop a model of team boundary permeability that incorporates the features of the team that give rise to boundary permeability, the outcomes experienced by teams with permeable boundaries, and moderators that serve to enhance the benefits and mitigate the liabilities of boundary permeability. In doing so, we extend theory on the fluid nature of teams. We conclude with implications for theory, directions for future research and implications for practice.

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