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Ethnic Networks

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  • Jennifer M. Larson
  • Janet I. Lewis

Abstract

Active research on a wide range of political contexts centers on ethnicity's role in collective action. Many theories posit that information flows more easily in ethnically homogeneous areas, facilitating collective action, because social networks among coethnics are denser. Although this characterization is ubiquitous, little empirical work assesses it. Through a novel field experiment in a matched pair of villages in rural Uganda, this article directly examines word‐of‐mouth information spread and its relationship to ethnic diversity and networks. As expected, information spread more widely in the homogeneous village. However, unexpectedly, the more diverse village's network is significantly denser. Using unusually detailed network data, we offer an explanation for why network density may hamper information dissemination in heterogeneous areas, showing why even slight hesitation to share information with people from other groups can have large aggregate effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Jennifer M. Larson & Janet I. Lewis, 2017. "Ethnic Networks," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 61(2), pages 350-364, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:amposc:v:61:y:2017:i:2:p:350-364
    DOI: 10.1111/ajps.12282
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Grossman, Guy & Humphreys, Macartan & Sacramone-Lutz, Gabriella, 2014. "“I wld like u WMP to extend electricity 2 our village”: On Information Technology and Interest Articulation," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 108(3), pages 688-705, August.
    2. Posner,Daniel N., 2005. "Institutions and Ethnic Politics in Africa," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521541794, January.
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    4. Jackson Matthew O. & Rogers Brian W., 2007. "Relating Network Structure to Diffusion Properties through Stochastic Dominance," The B.E. Journal of Theoretical Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 7(1), pages 1-16, February.
    5. Ferree, Karen E., 2010. "The Social Origins of Electoral Volatility in Africa," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 40(4), pages 759-779, October.
    6. Miguel, Edward & Gugerty, Mary Kay, 2005. "Ethnic diversity, social sanctions, and public goods in Kenya," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 89(11-12), pages 2325-2368, December.
    7. World Bank, 2014. "World Development Indicators 2014," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 18237.
    8. Robert H. Bates, 2000. "Ethnicity and Development in Africa: A Reappraisal," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 90(2), pages 131-134, May.
    9. Posner,Daniel N., 2005. "Institutions and Ethnic Politics in Africa," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521833981, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Trebbi, Francesco & Weese, Eric & Wright, Austin L. & Shaver, Andrew, 2020. "Insurgent Learning," Journal of Political Institutions and Political Economy, now publishers, vol. 1(3), pages 417-448, August.

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