ABSTRACT
This chapter studies whether informal solidarities among the Hui resemble traditional sworn brotherhoods or modern friendship, thereby testing the validity of the existing emphasis on ethnic variation in traditionality and modernity. Data analysis in this chapter shows intra-group variation in social status and cultural distinction in the Hui community. Internal stratification in social status and cultural attainment is a greater barrier to cross-status friendship among the Hui than among the Han. Hui friendships are characterized by a higher degree of status proximity and cultural similarity than their Han counterparts. Similar to those reported in Chapter 2, these findings show that status attainment is a better predictor of Hui behavior than the existing emphasis on Hui traditionality, primordial ties, and ethnic solidarity.
