The Influence of Ethnic Diversity on Social Network Structure in a Common-Pool Resource System: Implications for Collaborative Management

Abstract

. 2013. The influence of ethnic diversity on social network structure in a common-pool resource system: implications for collaborative management. ABSTRACT. Social networks have recently been identified as key features in facilitating or constraining collaborative arrangements that can enhance resource governance and adaptability in complex social-ecological systems. Nonetheless, the effect of ethnicity on social network structure in an ethnically diverse common-pool resource system is virtually unknown. We characterize the entire social network of Hawaii's longline fishery, an ethnically diverse competitive pelagic fishery, and investigate network homophily, network structure, and cross-scale linkages. Results show that ethnicity significantly influences social network structure and is responsible for a homophily effect, which can create challenges for stakeholder collaboration across groups. Our analysis also suggests that ethnicity influences the formation of diverse network structures, and can affect the level of linkages to outside industry leaders, government or management officials, and members of the scientific community. This study provides the first empirical examination of the impact of ethnic diversity on resource user's social networks in the common-pool resource literature, having important implications for collaborative resource management.

Social networks and environmental outcomes

“…The information-sharing network data are cross-sectional and were collected from primary decision makers in Hawaii's longline fleet from May 2011 to January 2012 (24). Primary decision makers are defined as vessel owners and captains, which we refer to collectively as "fishers."…”

“…Because environmental systems are inherently dynamic and complex, information that can support decision making in this context can be a highly valuable resource and is not shared indiscriminately (26). Indeed, in line with the literature on homophily, existing research suggests that actors in these settings often choose to primarily share information with others most similar to themselves, creating somewhat distinct social groups (24,27). Due to heightened competition for limited resources, any behavioral differences across groups that potentially emerge from this preference for within-group ties can be further exacerbated (28,29).…”

“…Existing research on homophily shows that it can heavily influence the structure of social networks and their effects on people's lives (15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23). One of the most pervasive effects of homophily is that it can cause social networks to become highly clustered (13,21,24). Intuitively, clustered social networks consist of multiple groups of people who are more densely connected internally and more sparsely connected externally (Fig.…”

Adaptation in Collaborative Governance Regimes

“…Some research suggests that national guidance, support, and financial investments can be powerful factors in adaptation at more local levels (Naess et al 2005;Eakin and Lemos 2006). Sources of biological, economic, and cultural diversity may provide the foundational raw material for adaptation (Elmqvist et al 2003;Norberg et al 2008;Barnes-Mauthe et al 2013).…”

Essays on marine resources conservation : macroeconomics and national accounting

“…Ethnic minority groups may depend more on information sharing within their communities which may decrease externalities and improve resource management by helping establishing social norms (Gutierrez et al, 2011). Besides, their different knowledge and experiences may positively impact overall ability to adapt to environmental changes (Barnes-Mauthe et al, 2013). …”