The role of social networks in cultural assimilation

Abstract

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Are younger age groups less segregated? Measuring ethnic segregation in activity spaces using mobile phone data

“…Segregation is influenced also by ethnic preferences stemming from different traditions and values and becomes especially evident in choices regarding residential neighbourhood and leisure (Floyd 1999). In addition, numbers of acquaintances and the structure of social networks, which are often limited for minorities, can influence ethnic segregation by reducing the possibility of finding a job, engaging in activities and communication (Wright, Ellis, and Parks 2010;Verdier and Zenou 2017). The spatial distribution of minorities is also influenced by history, migration, the formation of urban space, property ownership, policy, and religion (Boal 2002;Musterd and van Kempen 2009;Shlay and Rosen 2010).…”

Social Assimilation and Labor Market Outcomes of Migrants in China

“…Fourth, we highlight the role of native networks on explaining the labor market advantages of holding identity committed to the host place. While networks have been emphasized theoretically as an important channel through which ethnic identity may affect immigrants' labor market outcomes (Batttu et al, 2007;Verdier and Zenou, 2017), they are seldom examined in empirical studies.…”

Segregation in Friendship Networks

“…To be more precise, we assume that the linking cost of a pair of agents belonging to different communities depends on their level of exposure to the other community. See also Verdier and Zenou (), who adopt a similar assumption to study the assimilation of ethnic minorities. We model this feature through a cost function that positively depends on the fraction of same‐type friends each person has.…”