Heterogeneity and Harmony: Neighboring Relationships Among Whites in Ethnically-Diverse Neighborhoods in Seattle

27 Pages Posted: 26 Mar 2012

See all articles by Avery M. Guest

Avery M. Guest

University of Washington - Sociology

Charis E. Kubrin

University of California, Irvine

Jane Cover

University of Washington

Date Written: 2008

Abstract

Does ethnic heterogeneity in neighbourhoods create co-operative or conflict-oriented relationships among residents? Social theorists have long noted both the positive and negative aspects of heterogeneity, but the limited research on large samples of neighbourhoods documents ambiguous or weak effects. In this survey-based study of Seattle, it is found that ethnic heterogeneity is among the strongest community characteristics that negatively predict the degree to which Whites view neighbour relations as calm, trusting and helpful. In addition, it is found that Whites in heterogeneous neighbourhoods are somewhat less likely than other Whites to report that they would miss the neighbourhood if they moved away. However, the negative effects of heterogeneity should be interpreted cautiously. Residents of heterogeneous areas do not view their neighbour relationships as unacceptable on an absolute scale. Moreover, much of the tendency for Whites to have low sentimental ties in diverse neighbourhoods is found to be due to the relatively lower level of affluence and newer age of these areas.

Keywords: ethnic heterogeneity, communities, social ties

Suggested Citation

Guest, Avery M. and Kubrin, Charis and Cover, Jane, Heterogeneity and Harmony: Neighboring Relationships Among Whites in Ethnically-Diverse Neighborhoods in Seattle (2008). Urban Studies, Vol. 43, 2008, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2028175

Avery M. Guest

University of Washington - Sociology ( email )

Seattle, WA 98195
United States
203-543-2051 (Phone)

Charis Kubrin (Contact Author)

University of California, Irvine ( email )

Department of Criminiology, Law and Society
Social Ecology II, Rm 3379
Irvine, CA 62697-3125
United States

Jane Cover

University of Washington ( email )

Seattle, WA 98195
United States

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