Closure and anti-closure: Study on inter-ethnic competition in the Hong Kong rice trade

Abstract

The Chinese diaspora is often treated as homogeneous while questions related to inter-ethnic conflict are seldom raised. This paper uses Schumpeter's entrepreneurial theory, especially "the creation of a monopoly position" concept, to merge with Weber's idea of closure and anti-closure in cross-examining inter-ethnic competition and tension in Chinese societies. This paper studies the rice trade in Hong Kong-a business that relies heavily on multi-layered distribution networks and is a conduit for international trade. Key findings include entrepreneurial drive as being the main factor in mobilizing different ethnic groups to create a quasi-monopoly position. Those excluded have tried to mobilize their ethnic identity for anti-closure. © Canadian Journal of Development Studies, 2010. All rights reserved.