Metropolitan K–12 School Diversity and Social Distance

• In Event: 34.096 - MTCC Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: 34.096-7 - Beliefs and Social Contexts

Abstract

Contrary to research that argues ethnoracial diversity undermines social cohesion, this paper argues that diversity is only problematic when accompanied by ethnoracial segregation in major social institutions. Many of these studies have adopted a macro-level approach, considering the impact of residential segregation on a wide range of outcomes. However, very few studies have examined school segregation. Using data from 29 metropolitan areas, and guided by contact theory, we examine the relationship between racial diversity in schools and two important measures of social distance: individuals’ support of interracial marriage, and rates of interracial marriage. Results show that diversity in public schools is associated with increases in both measures, highlighting the significance of educational policies that either foster or inhibit school diversity.

Authors

• Jomills H. Braddock, University of Miami

• Ashley Mikulyuk, University of Portland

• Adrienne Milner, University of Miami