‘The double identity’ of Taiwanese Chinese: A dilemma of politics and culture rooted in history

Abstract

The ‘double identity’ of Taiwanese as both Chinese and Taiwanese identity was measured among both general and student samples using categorical and continuous measures. As predicted, Mingnan (native province) Taiwanese were higher in Taiwanese identity whereas outside‐province Taiwanese were higher in Chinese identity. Both groups shared similar representations of the history of Taiwan, but evaluations of leaders followed patterns of in‐group favoritism. These representations of history were used to predict and find zero correlations between Chinese and Taiwanese identity. Taiwanese and Chinese identities were mutually compatible in cultural domains, and mediated the effect of demographic group. However, in issues concerning politicized allocation decisions (and language), Taiwanese and Chinese identity worked in opposite directions, and demographic group (and a critical evaluation of an historical leader) were significant even after controlling for identity. Implications for social identity theory, realistic group conflict theory, and the cross‐straits relationship are discussed.

A Cultural Perspective on Intergroup Relations and Social Identity

“…But around election time, there are serious differences of opinion between the two groups about the future of the relationship with mainland China. Huang et al (2004) found that in the 2000 election, the historical evaluation of Chiang Kai-shek was a significant predictor of the vote for President between a native province and outside province candidate, even after controlling for demographic group and social identity. This shows how history is still influential for political decisions today.…”

“…The current situation in Taiwan is illustrative of how problems of the past can be connected to current political situations (Huang et al, 2004). Traditionally, Taiwan was a part of China, but Japan took over for about 50 years prior to World War II.…”

“…In the specific histories of nations such as Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Taiwan, and the Philippines (Huang, Liu, & Chang, 2004;Liu et al, , 2002Liu & Gastardo-Conaco, 2010), intergroup relations and political events associated with the founding of the state were dominant themes. But the story within which the conflict was configured (see Wertsch, 2002) differed somewhat from society to society.…”

Representing World History in the 21st Century

“…A central element in most forms of nationalism is to assert the immortality of the group through time, establishing its origins in such as way as to justify its continued existence and rights and obligations today (Smith, 1998). Hence, psychologists have begun to examine how people use history to understand why the world is the way that it is, and how tradition and past experience can be used to justify political agendas (e.g., Huang, Liu, & Chang, 2004;Liu & Atsumi, 2008;Liu, Lawrence, Ward, & Abraham, 2002;Liu, Wilson, McClure, & Higgins, 1999;Pennebaker et al, 1997;Reicher & Hopkins, 2001;Sen & Wagner, 2005).…”

The good old days and a better tomorrow: Historical representations and future imaginations of China during the 2008 Olympic Games

“…Aside from capturing the ambivalence toward globalization that people in developing countries often experience, the good old days and better tomorrow effects are important for predicting popular support for social and economic changes in the society. People's historical representations and future imaginations of their country are important drivers of their reactions to the social, economic and political reforms in the country (Huang, 2007;Huang, Liu, & Chang, 2004;Liu & Hilton, 2005). Individuals with more positive future imaginations of their country (those who believe in a better tomorrow) are more likely to embrace progressive reforms and engage in the country's modernization effort, whereas those with strong nostalgic indulgence in the country's past tend to resist reforms that would cause further erosions of the country's core values.…”