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

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.

How do Intermediaries Build Inclusive Markets? The Role of the Social Context

“…The caste system is especially salient within rural areas and forms the basis of the social structure (Srinivas, 1996). The extant literature identifies various ways in which dominant caste can throttle the attempt to include marginalized castes in education and other formal or informal institutions (Bhardwaj et al, 2021; Sutter et al, 2022; Thorat, 2009). The caste system determines many aspects of social life, including occupations and social interaction (Ambedkar, 2010).…”

“…Given the recently renewed focus on understanding how organizations influence societal challenges (Berrone et al, 2016; Wickert et al, 2021) this framework responds to calls to move beyond viewing the social context as simply a setting (Filatotchev et al, 2021; Mair et al, 2016). Third, we add to emerging management research on caste (Bapuji and Chrispal, 2020; Bhardwaj et al, 2021; Bhatt, 2022; Sutter et al, 2022) by identifying sets of activities that helps break vicious cycle of caste‐based socioeconomic marginalization. Finally, our study also contributes to inequality research within management more broadly.…”

Theorizing Diversity in Management Studies: New Perspectives and Future Directions

“…Bhardwaj and colleagues (2021) examine how status hierarchies affect friendship mechanisms in the Indian caste system, based on groups’ relative access to and mutual dependence on resources and on the extent to which intergroup relationships are experienced as toxic. In doing so, they provide insights into how status hierarchies are reinforced and bridged that might extend to societies with less formalized or socially recognized social stratification.…”

“…Among the papers in this special issue, Bhardwaj et al (2021) picks up directly on the sub‐theme of class through their study of caste relationships among Indian elites (MBA students). This study examines how social stratification is reproduced through the networking patterns (friendship relationships) of individuals with different caste backgrounds.…”

“…Furthermore, status can play an important role. The study of Bhardwaj et al (2021) extends status to include high, middle, and low levels. The role of the middle‐level status is particularly important: middle‐status group members are the most open to forming ties across status diversity – a mechanism that the authors call ‘middle‐status ambivalence’.…”