Birds of a Feather: Cross-group Interaction between Mainland and Local University Students in Hong Kong

Abstract

This study explains the lack of interaction between local students and international students from a micro-sociological perspective. Based on in-depth interviews of university students in Hong Kong, I argue that students lack cross-group interactions because they have little opportunities for mutually engaged experiences across multiple points in their lives. This lack of mutually engaged experiences is due to three factors: fragmented daily living space, defended interpersonal space, and politicized online space. To build cross-group friendships, external forces are needed to lift inhibitions, such as putting them in situations that they have to conduct all kinds of activities together. This study contributes to the understanding of cross-group interaction by pointing out the importance of the daily routine activities and the sociopolitical context in influencing cross-group interaction among students.