Ethnicity Rosters: A New Way to Measure Diversity in Networks

• In Event: Political Networks and Methodology

Abstract

Ties between members of different ethnic groups have the potential to reduce prejudice, mobilize coalitions of protesters, and influence voter behavior. Measuring such ties in surveys is difficult, however, due to demand effects and social desirability bias. Furthermore, although both strong and weak ties are important for opinion and attitude formation, standard network batteries often focus exclusively on respondents' closest relationships. This paper introduces the ``ethnicity roster," a novel approach to measuring the ethnic diversity of respondents' networks. I demonstrate the utility of this approach with a large-N survey in Bosnia, one of many countries where names signal ethnic affiliation. I compare the results to those of two commonly used metrics--name and position generators--and explore the tradeoffs of each approach. In particular, I highlight potential applications afforded by the ethnicity roster's ability to detect weak ties and estimate outgroup network size. I conclude with recommendations for how to adapt and extend this technique to other cultural contexts.

Author

• Matthew D. Simonson, Hebrew University of Jerusalem