Increased ethnic diversity is associated with decreases in social cohesion and increases in social withdrawal. We argue that two mechanisms may explain these relationships: social distance and social identity orientations.

This paper investigates these associations by using census data and the Australian Community Capacity Study survey data from 10,000 residents living in 298 neighborhoods in Melbourne and Brisbane, Australia. We consider the extent to which increases in immigration, ancestry, language and religion influence social distance and if this, in turn, enhances residents’ social identities. We then assess the independent effects of social distance and social identity orientations on residents’ reports of social cohesion and interactions with fellow neighbours.

Social distance, social identity and social cohesion: Investigating the ‘diversity decline’ thesis in two cities
Dr. Rebecca Wickes, University of Queensland

Tues, 10 March, 2015, 3:00pm – 4:30pm

Yudowitz Seminar Rm, Wolfson Medical School Building

The Urban Studies Seminar Series invites you to the upcoming seminar with Dr. Rebecca Wickes from University of Queensland.

The seminar is free and open to the public, and will be followed by drinks in the Urban Studies staff room.

Kind regards,

Sent on behalf of Prof. Annette Hastings

Hana Ros
Business and Communications Officer
Urban Big Data Centre
School of Social and Political Sciences
University of Glasgow

E-mail: [email protected]

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