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Cultural diversity broadens social networks.
Adrienne Wood1, Adam M Kleinbaum2, Thalia Wheatley3
1Department of Psychology, University of Virginia.
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|March 10, 2022
Summary
Individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds act as social brokers, forming more diverse connections in new communities. This adaptability stems from exposure to varied social environments, fostering broader integration.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Social Psychology
- Network Science
Background:
- Migration and mobility are increasing global cultural diversity.
- The impact of cultural diversity on social tie formation in new communities is under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if individuals from culturally diverse regions become social brokers in new communities.
- To examine the relationship between an individual's background diversity and their social network brokerage behavior.
Main Methods:
- Social network analysis of eight Master of Business Administration (MBA) cohorts (N = 2,257).
- Characterization of international students (N = 773) based on their home country's diversity.
- Analysis of domestic students' (N = 1,461) social brokerage in relation to their home county's ancestral diversity.
Main Results:
- International students from more ethnically diverse nations or those with a history of cultural intermingling were more likely to be social brokers.
- Domestic students' social brokerage scores positively correlated with the ancestral diversity of their home U.S. county.
- Culturally diverse social environments are linked to increased social adaptability and broader network connections.
Conclusions:
- Exposure to diverse social environments cultivates adaptable behaviors beneficial for connecting diverse groups.
- Individuals from diverse backgrounds naturally bridge unconnected social circles, acting as social brokers.
- Understanding these dynamics can inform strategies for integrating diverse populations into new communities.
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