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Diversity and Social Capital in the U.S: A Tale of Conflict, Contact or Total Mistrust?

Author

Listed:
  • Belton, Willie

    (Georgia Institute of Technology)

  • Huq, Yameen

    (Georgia Institute of Technology)

  • Uwaifo Oyelere, Ruth

    (Agnes Scott College)

Abstract

In this paper we explore the relationship between ethnic fractionalization and social capital. First, we test for time differences in the impact of ethnic fractionalization on social capital using U.S. data from 1990, 1997 and 2005. Subsequently we examine the data for evidence of the conflict, contact and hunker-down theories espoused by Putman in explaining what happens over time when individuals interact with those of differing ethnicities. We find no evidence of heterogeneity in the impact of ethnic fractionalization on social capital over time. In addition we find evidence of the conflict theory and no evidence of hunker-down or contact theories. Our results suggest that as communities become more diverse, there is a tendency for social capital to decline.

Suggested Citation

  • Belton, Willie & Huq, Yameen & Uwaifo Oyelere, Ruth, 2014. "Diversity and Social Capital in the U.S: A Tale of Conflict, Contact or Total Mistrust?," IZA Discussion Papers 8384, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp8384
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alberto Alesina & Eliana La Ferrara, 2000. "Participation in Heterogeneous Communities," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 115(3), pages 847-904.
    2. Stephen Knack & Philip Keefer, 1997. "Does Social Capital Have an Economic Payoff? A Cross-Country Investigation," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 112(4), pages 1251-1288.
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    9. Willie James Belton & Ruth Uwaifo Oyelere, 2018. "Diversity and Social Capital in the U.S: A Tale of Conflict, Contact or Total Mistrust?," Review of Economics and Institutions, Università di Perugia, vol. 9(2).
    10. Rupasingha, Anil & Goetz, Stephan J. & Freshwater, David, 2006. "The production of social capital in US counties," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 35(1), pages 83-101, February.
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    1. Willie James Belton & Ruth Uwaifo Oyelere, 2018. "Diversity and Social Capital in the U.S: A Tale of Conflict, Contact or Total Mistrust?," Review of Economics and Institutions, Università di Perugia, vol. 9(2).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    trust; social capital; ethnic fractionalization; diversity; social networks;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D71 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Social Choice; Clubs; Committees; Associations
    • Z10 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - General
    • J10 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - General
    • J19 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Other

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