Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This paper draws on results of a recent survey, which was funded by Pew Internet & American
Life Project. The telephone survey used random digit dialing to collect a sample 2,200
American adults. This paper ties together the following themes: social network composition,
communication patterns, access to resources, psychological dispositions and social tolerance.
Preliminary evidence suggests that heavy email users use email in conjunction with other
media, to maintain a relatively large number of weak ties. These weak ties tend to come from
different social backgrounds (i.e. ethnicity, occupation and gender), which effect these
respondents in a number of ways. The occupational diversity allows them access to a variety
instrumental knowledge, or social capital. Further, their contact with diverse others means
that these respondents tend to be more socially tolerant and open to new ideas (a
psychological disposition psychologies refer to as "openness"). As these respondents are heavy
communicators, they tend to be relatively extroverted. They are more likely to make new
friends online and be early adopters of new technologies that are oriented towards social
purposes. In summary, email use effects the composition of social networks, which in-turn
leads to the following outcomes: greater access to instrumental knowledge, social tolerance,
openness and a sense of social support.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Whether transnationalism is a sustainable phenomenon beyond the first generation of immigrants is a subject of ongoing investigation and debate. Our study asks whether transnational ties can be sustained past successive immigrant generations and queries what types of transnational practices are undertaken by migrants. Using data from the public use file of the 2002 Ethnic Diversity Survey, a post-census national survey jointly conducted by Statistics Canada and the Department of Canadian Heritage, we conduct a trend analysis across immigrant generations which cross-tabulates primary and secondary indicators of transnationalism – including visits to home countries, contact with kin living in home countries, ethnic associational memberships, transnational marriages, first language maintenance, dual citizenship, and ethnic attachments . Furthermore, we make comparisons between white and non-white populations, highlighting patterns observed across generations for distinctive racial and origin groups. We find that although generations beyond the first do engage in transnational practices, levels of engagement in all indicators of transnationalism atrophy across immigrant generations. Generally, transnational ties are discontinued by the third-plus generation. Finally, visible minority populations seem to have a higher propensity for transnational engagements, relative to the white population; yet, regardless of color, the intergenerational decline of transnational practices still applies.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: I challenge the conclusion that disagreement in social networks makes participation less likely. Drawing on sociological perspectives on human behavior, I analyze two hypotheses about how social networks prevent disagreement with discussion partners from discouraging political participation. More specifically, I investigate how network density and overall agreement in the network mute the damaging effects of dyadic disagreement. The analysis is based on data gathered during the 1996 presidential election and demonstrate that individuals who are in relatively cohesive networks that are on balance supportive are more likely to participate, even when they experience some disagreement from elements of their social network. These results help reconcile the idea of a democracy ground in both deliberation and participation.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: To meet the dire need for housing following Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans and the Federal Emergency Management Agency created lists of potential sites for trailer parks. We analyze approved sites to track which factors were linked with larger (or smaller) numbers of trailers and trailer sites per zip code bloc. Areas which displayed greater levels of social capital, as evidenced by voluntaristic activities such as turning out to vote, were slated for fewer trailers, controlling for race, income, education, flood damage, and other relevant factors. Civil society worked simultaneously to bring citizens together while mobilizing them against the threat of trailer parks in their backyards.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: It is argued that most research on crime rates in neighborhoods, from social disorganization to collective efficacy, has failed to clearly or consistently identify the types of local social ties important to local organization. Furthermore, these studies often assume that there is a single dimension of local organization (either organized or not). Using the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods, this study proposes and begins an investigation looking to identify various dimensions of neighborhood ties and relate these dimensions first to local organization and then to add these ties into the larger organization model.