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Cultural assimilation and segregation in heterogeneous societies

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  • Francesco Flaviano Russo

    (University of Naples Federico II and CSEF)

Abstract

I propose a model of cultural assimilation with endogenous social networks and idiosyncratic assimilation patterns that is consistent with the empirical evidence for Europe. The model implies that assimilation is weaker in pluralistic or more culturally heterogeneous societies, and stronger in socially denser societies, but it is not influenced by the minority share. Social segregation for the minority increases with social density, with the minority share, and with the initial average cultural distance between the majority and the minority.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesco Flaviano Russo, 2024. "Cultural assimilation and segregation in heterogeneous societies," Journal of Population Economics, Springer;European Society for Population Economics, vol. 37(3), pages 1-36, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jopoec:v:37:y:2024:i:3:d:10.1007_s00148-024-01038-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s00148-024-01038-3
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Culture; Distance; Evolution;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • Z10 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - General

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