A Curvilinear Relationship? Ethnic Diversity and Generalized Trust in a Melting Pot

• In Event: 294 - Regular Session. Social Capital and the Community

Abstract

There has been much ado about the impact of ethnic diversity on generalized trust and past work has focused on a linear, negative relationship between the two. This study merges national representative survey data with the US census data. It identifies a non-linear relationship: generalized trust declines with ethnic diversity but rebounds after a tipping point. Also, the relationship varies by race/ethnicity, class, and community size and only remains significant among whites, middle class, and small-town residents. This research thus challenges the existing literature that has centered on a monotonic, negative relationship between ethnic diversity and social capital.

Authors

• Wenhong Chen, University of Texas-Austin

• Lijun Song, Vanderbilt University