Bridging Mechanisms in Multiethnic Communities: Place-Based Communication, Neighborhood Belonging and Intergroup Relations

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session II
  In Interactive Paper Session: Interactive Papers in Intergroup Communication

Abstract

Viewing place-based communication as a vital resource, this study examines multiethnic intergroup relations (i.e., White, Hispanic, and Asian) within the local process of building integrated community. It uses a communication infrastructure approach and argues that place-based communication resources, including neighborhood interpersonal conversation, geo-ethnic media, and local organizations, have the potential to promote multiethnic intergroup contact and increase perceived interaction quality by forging a sense of neighborhood belonging. Using survey data collected from a multiethnic community, structural equation modeling is employed to test the relationship paths among residents’ connection to place-based communication resources, their level of neighborhood belonging, out-group contact frequency and perceived interaction quality across six interactional dyads. Findings suggest an ethnicity-based divergence in terms of how place-based communication impacts multiethnic intergroup interaction. It also discusses how changing racial and ethnic community demographics may have implications for understanding multiethnic intergroup relations.

Authors

• Wenlin Liu, U of Southern California - Annenberg School for Communication

• Minhee Son, U of Southern California - Annenberg School for Communication

• Andrea Wenzel, U of Southern California - Annenberg School for Communication

• Zheng An, U of Southern California - Annenberg School for Communication

• Nan Zhao, U of Southern California - Annenberg School for Communication

• Sandra J. Ball-Rokeach, U of Southern California