Identity conflict, ethnocentrism and social cohesion

Matteo Sestito ()
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Matteo Sestito: Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, AMSE, Marseille, France., https://www.amse-aixmarseille.fr/en/members/sestito

No 2304, AMSE Working Papers from Aix-Marseille School of Economics, France

Abstract: This paper uses a novel dataset on ethnic warfare to shed light on how conflict affects social identification and cohesion. A large body of anecdotal studies suggests that ethnic identities become more salient at times of conflict. Using data from eighteen sub-Saharan countries, I provide econometric evidence for such a claim. The effect of ethnic conflict on various measures of social cohesion is also investigated, uncovering a positive relationship between the two. The finding is understood as a result of the ethnocentric dynamics generated by conflict: as ethnic warfare increases ethnic identification, in-group cooperation follows suit. This parochial interpretation is further strengthened by the use of remote violence and the conditionality of conflict-induced pro-social behaviour on low levels of ethnic polarisation.

Keywords: ethnic conflict; social cohesion; identity; Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D74 N47 O55 Z13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 67 pages
Date: 2023-01
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-dev and nep-evo
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aim:wpaimx:2304

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