The Social Effects of Ethnic Diversity at the Local Level: A Natural Experiment with Exogenous Residential Allocation

S-Tier
Journal: Journal of Political Economy
Year: 2016
Volume: 124
Issue: 3
Pages: 696 - 733

Authors (3)

Yann Algan (HEC Paris (École des Hautes Ét...) Camille Hémet (not in RePEc) David D. Laitin (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

2.681 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Relying on diversity measures computed at the apartment block level under conditions of exogenous allocation of public housing in France, this paper identifies the effects of ethnic diversity on social relationships and housing quality. Housing Survey data reveal that diversity induces social anomie. Through the channel of anomie, diversity accounts for the inability of residents to sanction others for vandalism and to act collectively to demand proper building maintenance. However, anomie also lowers opportunities for violent confrontations, which are not related to diversity.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:ucp:jpolec:doi:10.1086/686010
Journal Field
General
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-24