Variation in Adult Interracial Friendships

• In Event: 174 - Section on Racial and Ethnic Minorities Roundtables (one-hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 15. Racial Attitudes

Abstract

Objective. Previous studies have examined interracial friendships, typically within educational settings, without taking in to account the variation of interracial friendship. I address the void in the literature regarding the presence and variation of adult interracial friendship variation using four racial hierarchy theories: bi-racial divide (White/non-White and Black/non-Black), the tri-racial divide, and the melting pot. Hypotheses regarding friendship selection and variation are derived from the four racial theories. Methods. Using the Portraits of American Life Study from 2006 (n=2610) and 2012 (n=1314), I conduct multivariate analyses to test my hypotheses. Results. Adult interracial friendships are quite rare and those that do form rarely survived during the six years period between surveys. For the brief time that adult interracial friendships are established, they often develop within the tri-racial structure. Whites are the least likely to engage in interracial friendship, while racial minorities are more likely to engage in interracial friendships with Whites. Additionally, those of medium skin tone have higher proportions of interracial friendships than those of lighter or darker skin complexion. Finally, except for blacks, respondents in tracts with higher levels of racial homogeneity are less likely to name a friend of a different race. Conclusions. The limited and unstable nature of interracial friendship composition is problematic because it inhibits bridging capital, that is, the ability for racial equality to occur through the passing of social capital between racial groups.

Author

• Laura Essenburg, Rice University