ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the Taiwanese extent in the mainland China have assimilated into the local society, that is, to what extent they consider themselves as 'residents' of the places they stay and whether they view local residents as the 'we-group'. The relations between Taiwanese managerial strata and the Chinese blue-collar workers cannot be too close or too friendly. The social relationship of the Taiwanese in the mainland is another good indicator because it is telling in terms of the degree of socialization. The chapter conceptualize 'social class' in terms of real estate prices in comparisons with local residents while 'self-identity' is the self-identification as Taiwanese or both Taiwanese and Chinese. The three factors - self-identity, ethnic origins and time in China, are significant in shaping the idea of home among the Taiwanese sojourners. Other critical factors, such as ethnic origins and industrial sector, suggest that cross-Strait unification cannot be that easily achieved simply by frequent contacts or interest alignments.
