Civic Engagement, Ethnic Heterogeneity, and Social Capital in Urban Areas

Abstract

Scholars and policy makers argue that civic engagement is intrinsically linked to social capital. In particular, they assume that political participation and associational activity can minimize negative externalities for social capital associated with ethnic heterogeneity, such as mistrust and lack of respect. This research note tests this assumption by analyzing the relationship between civic engagement, ethnic heterogeneity, and perceptions of mutual respect and social cohesion among citizens in urban local government areas across England. The statistical results suggest that associational life is positively associated with social capital and that political participation enhances perceptions of mutual respect in ethnically diverse areas. The evidence provides support for arguments that civic engagement can moderate negative externalities for social capital associated with ethnic heterogeneity.