Ethnic Diversity, Social Identity, and Social Withdrawal: Investigating Putnam’s Constrict Thesis

Abstract

Since Putnam introduced his constrict thesis in 2007, many researchers have established that ethnic diversity lowers perceptions of social cohesion, at least in the short term. The connection between ethnic diversity and social behaviour, however, is less certain. In this paper we draw on social distance and social identity theories to empirically test if ethnic diversity encourages behaviours linked to social withdrawal. Using data from a longitudinal panel study of urban communities in Australia, we examine the influence of social distance on neighbourhood ties, neighbourly exchange, and civic engagement and assess if an individual's social identity (ethnic or civic) strengthens or weakens these relationships. We find individuals that endorse an ethnic identity are more likely to engage in social withdrawal behaviours. Withdrawal is also more likely in neighbourhoods where individuals distort the presence of minorities.