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Identity conflict, ethnocentrism and social cohesion

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  • Matteo Sestito

    (AMSE - Aix-Marseille Sciences Economiques - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - AMU - Aix Marseille Université - ECM - École Centrale de Marseille - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

Abstract

This paper uses a novel dataset on ethnic warfare to shed light on how conflict affects social identification and cohesion. A large body of anecdotal studies suggests that ethnic identities become more salient at times of conflict. Using data from eighteen sub-Saharan countries, I provide econometric evidence for such a claim. The effect of ethnic conflict on various measures of social cohesion is also investigated, uncovering a positive relationship between the two. The finding is understood as a result of the ethnocentric dynamics generated by conflict: as ethnic warfare increases ethnic identification, in-group cooperation follows suit. This parochial interpretation is further strengthened by the use of remote violence and the conditionality of conflict-induced pro-social behaviour on low levels of ethnic polarisation.

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  • Matteo Sestito, 2023. "Identity conflict, ethnocentrism and social cohesion," Working Papers halshs-03953975, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:wpaper:halshs-03953975
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://shs.hal.science/halshs-03953975
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

    ethnic conflict; social cohesion; identity; Africa;
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