Inter- and intra-ethnic ties: patterns, processes and payoffs

Although inter-ethnic ties are important building blocks for a cohesive society, they remain the exception rather than the norm. For example, Blacks in America remain segregated from all other groups in marriage and friendship, even as more integration has occurred between Whites and other minority groups (e.g., Hispanics and Asians). Family, school and neighbourhood socioeconomic characteristics explain only part of this ethnic segregation, suggesting that race is a potent force. While inter-ethnic ties are beneficial, not all efforts at social assimilation translate into better economic outcomes for minority groups. Overall, patterns, processes, and payoffs of inter-ethnic ties are influenced by variations in social context. We contrast findings from Singapore and India to show how ties to dominant ethnic groups (such as Chinese and Brahmins respectively) are associated with different payoffs.