Bridging Group Divides: A Theoretical Overview of the “What” and “How” of Gateway Groups

Abstract

One of the most recent developments in the realm of intergroup relations is that of the gateway group notion. This conceptual framework addresses the potential of groups with multiple social backgrounds to play a role in the facilitation of positive intergroup relations between their distinct social counterparts (e.g., immigrants as a gateway between home and host countries). Given their shared identity with different social groups, people with multiple identities can potentially bridge the cleft between the two otherwise separate groups with which they are affiliated. In this article, we first provide a theoretical introduction to the gateway group notion and review preliminary experimental and social network‐based research on gateway groups' potential to improve intergroup relations. We then integrate this novel concept with the existing literature on intergroup contact and social categorization and discuss the potential social implications of gateway groups.

Why Immigrants’ Multiple Identities Matter: Implications for Research, Policy, and Practice

“…Moreover, their nonimmigrant classmates perceive them differently as a function of their assertion of a dual identity and this recognition of dual identity facilitates friendships that cut across group boundaries. This finding corroborates the claim that the study of dual identities has much to gain from social network analysis (Repke & Benet‐Martínez, ), but it also makes clear that the potential of dual identifiers as gateway groups rests on their motivation to adopt the relevant complex social identity (Love & Levy, ). Certainly, in hostile intergroup climates, it is questionable whether individuals would adopt a dual identity as this can raise tough questions about their (dis)loyalty from both groups (Kunst, Thomsen, & Dovidio, ).…”

“…To be sure, there is substantial overlap in social reality as individuals with an immigrant background are good candidates to be dual (or multiple) identifiers. Nevertheless, it is important to emphasize that not all immigrants are dual identifiers, or, more generally, and as stated by Love and Levy (), not all members of gateway groups perceive themselves as such. Immigrants and nonimmigrants alike debate the boundaries, relations, and meanings between social categories, and they incorporate these meanings into their sense of who they are.…”

“…They are more likely than other immigrants to be happy and healthy (Nguyen & Benet‐Martínez, ), to be strong students (Baysu & Phalet, ), and to engage in normative national politics (Simon & Ruhs, ). They are also in a position to bridge divides between the different groups to which they belong (Love & Levy, ). At the same time, immigrants and their descendants who hold dual identities face particular vulnerabilities.…”

To Be Both (and More): Immigration and Identity Multiplicity

“…Furthermore, identifying with two groups and living with and within (rather than between) two cultures is thought to lead to a reflexive attitude that enables a critical and innovative view of groups and cultures. A dual position can result in a broader horizon, a sharper view of social relationships, and the ability to act as an intermediary (broker) in attempts to bridge the gap between different ethnic and cultural groups (for example, Kang & Bodenhausen, ; Levy, Saguy, van Zomeren, & Halperin, ; Love & Levy, ).…”

“…The first addresses the relation between social networks or, more generally, contact with ingroup and outgroup members, and identity multiplicity. This section contains two contributions offering new conceptual approaches (Love & Levy, ; Repke & Benet‐Martínez, ), one review of research using social network analysis in relation to migrants’ identification (Leszczensky, Jugert, & Pink, ), and one empirical article about the mediating role of identity‐related cognitions in the association between contact and acculturation (Sixtus, Wesche, & Kerschreiter, ). The second section focuses on the implications of identity multiplicity for a broad range of outcomes.…”