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Does Ethnic Diversity Erode Trust? Putnam’s ‘Hunkering Down’ Thesis Reconsidered

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  • Sturgis, Patrick
  • Brunton-Smith, Ian
  • Read, Sanna
  • Allum, Nick

Abstract

We use a multi-level modelling approach to estimate the effect of ethnic diversity on measures of generalized and strategic trust using data from a new survey in Britain with a sample size approaching 25,000 individuals. In addition to the ethnic diversity of neighbourhoods, we incorporate a range of indicators of the socio-economic characteristics of individuals and the areas in which they live. Our results show no effect of ethnic diversity on generalized trust. There is a statistically significant association between diversity and a measure of strategic trust, but in substantive terms, the effect is trivial and dwarfed by the effects of economic deprivation and the social connectedness of individuals.

Suggested Citation

  • Sturgis, Patrick & Brunton-Smith, Ian & Read, Sanna & Allum, Nick, 2011. "Does Ethnic Diversity Erode Trust? Putnam’s ‘Hunkering Down’ Thesis Reconsidered," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 41(1), pages 57-82, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:cup:bjposi:v:41:y:2011:i:01:p:57-82_00
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