Social identity development in transnational marriages of international students in China

China's open-door policy has attracted numerous foreign traders and students, leading to increased interaction between Chinese and foreigners. Sociological debates center on the integration of foreigners into Chinese society, their access to mainstream society, and the formation of new social connections. This study focuses on a relatively unexplored area: transnational marriages between international students in China and Chinese nationals. The research question is: How do these marriages, distinct from those involving foreign traders, contribute to social identity development?

Existing literature highlights Chinese women marrying Western or East Asian men, often relocating abroad. However, China's economic growth has led to an increase in foreign spouses moving to China. While research exists on marriages between foreign traders and Chinese women, a gap remains concerning the interpersonal relationships and transnational marriages of international students in China. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the lived experiences of international students within these unions.

The study used a mixed-methods approach combining participant observation and in-depth unstructured interviews with 15 international student-Chinese spouse couples. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were employed. The first author, an international student, leveraged existing relationships to gain access to participants, attending social events and using WeChat for ongoing communication. Interviews, lasting approximately an hour per couple, were conducted in English. Data analysis identified five major themes: motivation for transnational marriage, religion, transnational marriage as identity gain, communication and communication competence, and future aspirations.

Five key themes emerged from the data. First, the motivation for marriage often stemmed from friendships formed during the students' academic pursuits in China; marriage wasn't initially planned. Second, religion played a crucial role, particularly for religious international students, with Chinese partners often adopting their partner's religion. Third, transnational marriages were viewed as 'identity gain,' expanding social networks and providing social support within both international and local Chinese communities. Fourth, communication competence was facilitated by multilingualism; however, language barriers, especially with extended family, sometimes occurred. Fifth, future aspirations regarding long-term residence in China were often uncertain due to limitations in obtaining permanent residency or citizenship.

The findings challenge previous negative societal views of transnational marriages in China, particularly those involving non-white men. The high educational attainment of both partners often alleviated initial family concerns. The study supports social identity theory and the Social Identity Model of Identity Change (SIMIC), showing how expanded social networks through marriage contribute to positive social identity and integration into the host culture. The theme of 'identity gain' emphasizes the positive role of multiple group memberships in adaptation and well-being.

This study provides a novel perspective on transnational marriages in China, focusing on the experiences of international students. These marriages offer unique opportunities for cultural exchange, social integration, and professional advancement. However, challenges persist, particularly concerning long-term residency and citizenship. Future research should investigate these issues further, using larger samples and exploring the long-term impacts of these marriages on families and communities.

The small sample size (15 couples) limits the generalizability of the findings. Access to official marriage data was restricted. Future research should address these limitations by employing larger samples and incorporating quantitative data.