The formation of ethnic commonality in Yunnan is characterized by distinct spatial interweaving. The diversity of its geographical environment, the connectivity of historical transportation corridors, and the rapid urbanization process have jointly shaped an interwoven residential pattern characterized by broad-scale mixed residence, small-scale concentrated settlement, and interlaced cohabitation among multiple ethnic groups. Drawing upon spatial sociology and historical institutionalism as primary analytical frameworks, this paper systematically examines the spatial dynamics underlying the formation of ethnic commonality in Yunnan, reveals the institutional challenges faced in the construction of the interwoven social structure in the new era, and proposes policy optimization paths from "spatial interweaving" to "institutional integration". The analysis reveals that the spatial foundation of ethnic commonality in Yunnan has undergone a transformation from "natural interweaving" to "planned interweaving". However, insufficient flexibility in policy implementation, inadequate interdepartmental information coordination, and the policy inertia stemming from path dependence have posed challenges to the further deepening of the interwoven social structure.In the new era, the transformation of ethnic policies from "physical aggregation" to "social integration" can be achieved through optimizing urban–rural planning, enhancing services for the migrant population, innovating community governance models, and transitioning ethnic policies from "differential inclination" to "inclusive sharing".

Ma Run, Qi Yongchao, Yang Ming, Zhu Youxiang, Li Lijiao. From Spatial Interweaving to Institutional Integration: The Logic of Formation and Policy Optimization of Ethnic Commonality in Yunnan. Academic Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences (2026), Vol. 9, Issue 6: 41-51. https://doi.org/10.25236/AJHSS.2026.090606.

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