Affiliative segregation

2008
japan

Affiliative segregation refers to the tendency of individuals to self-segregate and associate predominantly with others who are similar to them in terms of their affiliations, such as race, ethnicity, religion, age, or socioeconomic status. This form of segregation can occur within neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, social clubs, or other social settings.

Affiliative segregation can be both voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary affiliative segregation occurs when individuals choose to associate with people who share similar affiliations and characteristics. This can be based on personal preferences, comfort, or a desire to maintain cultural identity.

On the other hand, involuntary affiliative segregation can result from societal structures, discrimination, or historical factors that limit the opportunities for individuals from different affiliations to interact and integrate. This can contribute to the perpetuation of stereotypes, prejudice, and inequality.

Affiliative segregation can have both positive and negative consequences. On one hand, individuals may find comfort, support, and connection within their own affiliative groups. It can provide a sense of belonging, shared identity, and cultural preservation. On the other hand, affiliative segregation can reinforce division, exclusion, and isolation. It can limit exposure to diverse perspectives and opportunities for cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.

Efforts to address affiliative segregation often involve promoting diversity, inclusion, and integration. This can be done through policies, programs, and initiatives that encourage interactions and connections among individuals from different affiliations. It can provide opportunities for exposure to diverse experiences, perspectives, and understanding, fostering social cohesion and reducing biases and stereotypes.

Overall, affiliative segregation is a complex social phenomenon that affects various aspects of society. Understanding its causes and consequences is important for creating inclusive and equitable communities.

Further reading

Horiuchi S. (2008) "Affiliative Segregation of Outsiders from a Community: Bonding and Bridging Social Capital in Hachimori cho, Japan", International Journal of Japanese Sociology, 17(1), pp. 91-100. . DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-6781.2008.00111.x