Uneven Mixing, Network Segregation, and Immigrant Integration

Classical theories of immigration posit that widespread intermixing between immigrants and natives is at the crux of immigrant integration, but do not specify what that looks like using network terminology. This study introduces the concept of uneven mixing, which captures variation in the number of intergroup ties that individuals hold in a network, as a strategy for assessing meaningful integration. A low level of uneven mixing represents more widespread intergroup ties, which is analogous to “blurred boundaries” that imply a less rigid sense of “us” versus “them.” In contrast, a high level of uneven mixing occurs when just a few individuals appear to cross over to the other side of otherwise unambiguous group boundaries. Using the case of classroom friendships, I show that native students embedded in more unevenly mixed networks are more closed off to immigrant cultures and view immigrants less favorably, even after accounting for their personal ties to immigrant classmates and the overall number of native–immigrant ties in the classroom. These patterns underscore the importance of considering the structure of intergroup ties when analyzing the relationship between networks and attitudinal integration. While this study focuses on immigrant integration, the approach used here is likely to advance knowledge on any kind of social integration that requires widespread intermixing across groups.