Private intergroup relationships between natives and migrants (Dissertation)

Abstract

This thesis studies the determinants of interethnic relationships between non-migrants and migrants. Theoretically, the thesis builds on the idea that three mechanisms might influence the patterns of relationship formation: opportunities, preferences, and third parties. The introductory part of the thesis reviews the literature in the field. Building on this review, I develop a research agenda. Three papers advance this agenda: Building on longitudinal analyses, the first paper shows that moderately high migrant shares in the neighbourhood are connected to more interethnic relationships. Additionally, persons feeling threatened by immigration and migrants are largely found to be less likely to have interethnic relationships, while sympathy with migrants works in the opposite direction. Considering both non-migrant and migrant couples, the second paper studies the effect of cohabiting life partners’ attitudes, resources, and social network compositions on their spouse’s interethnic friendships and acquaintances. I find that partner characteristics play an important role for a person’s interethnic relationships. In the third paper, I study if and how a person’s interethnic ties differ from their intraethnic ties. Additionally, I explain differences and similarities between them. Results suggest that differences between a person’s interethnic and intraethnic ties are less pronounced within close relationship networks than they are in society in general. However, close relationship networks mirror to some extent migrant - non-migrant differences. The thesis concludes by identifying further research potential in the field.