Does Inequality Induce Homophily? Origins of Native-Immigrant Homophily in Adolescent Friendships

• In Event: 3265 - Social Networks

Abstract

Structural features of populations, such as diversity or inequality, are typically used to explain
overall patterns of intergroup interaction (for instance overall patterns of friendships between
immigrant and native groups). While intergroup interaction is a component of social integration,
recent studies are able to distinguish between intergroup interaction and homophily, which is an
important component of social integration because it reflects individual-level attitudes or
preferences. Homophily refers to the fact that individuals often prefer to associate with those
who are similar with themselves (for instance those who share the same native or immigrant
background). While forms of inequality are known to structurally diminish intergroup
association, whether inequality increases homophily remains an open question. This study
proposes and tests novel hypotheses on inequality as an origin of homophily. Specifically, this
study will test whether two forms of inequality, (1) direct socioeconomic inequality and (2) the
consolidation (or correlation) of socioeconomic status and immigrant background, exacerbate
immigrant-native homophily within adolescent friendships in school classrooms. Using
Exponential Random Graph Models (ERGM) of friendship networks captured by the CILS4EU
(the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Survey in Four European Countries) survey, the
findings indicate that consolidation, but not inequality, exacerbates native-immigrant homophily.
This indicates that existing studies underestimate the implications of inequality for social
integration.

Author

• Linda Zhao, Harvard University