An investigation into the dynamic effects and pathways, between diversity, intergroup contact, social cohesion and well-being and health

Mogra, Unaysah (2025). An investigation into the dynamic effects and pathways, between diversity, intergroup contact, social cohesion and well-being and health. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This thesis aims to explain the consequences of living in diverse neighbourhoods on intergroup contact, social cohesion, and well-being and health, as well as dynamic relationships between these concepts. With this central theme in mind, this thesis poses a range of research questions, which are distributed across four empirical chapters. In essence, the overarching question this research aims to answer is Whether diversity is beneficial or harmful for individuals?

Each empirical chapter (Chapter 5-8) explores relationships that have been largely overlooked in the literature, owing to relatively unique data, across relatively new contexts. In doing so, this thesis makes several contributions to the literature. The main results are as follows. In Chapter 5, for White British residents in London, diversity increases intergroup contact, which has a positive effect on neighbourhood cohesion, which in turn improves well-being. For ethnic minority groups, diversity does not increase intergroup contact. However, contact improves well-being via neighbourhood cohesion.

In Chapter 6, across England, positive intergroup contact benefits individual perceived social cohesion, and via trust and neighbourhood cohesion, this improves well-being and health for Whites, and via trust and outgroup attitudes this improves well-being and health for Asians. However, negative intergroup contact operates in the opposing direction. For both groups, the indirect positive and negative effects cancel each other. I refer to this as the cancellation effect.

In Chapter 7, across England, ethnic diversity is indirectly associated with positive outgroup attitudes via a positive association with intergroup contact (friends and colleagues). Mediation was not observed with religious diversity, nor with marital attitudes and cross-group friendships emerged as an effective means of improving outgroup attitudes, amongst Whites and Christians.

In Chapter 8, across multiple contexts and amongst ethnic minority groups, at higher levels of positive intergroup contact, the negative effects of negative contact on well-being and health are diminished. I refer to this as the intergroup social healing hypothesis. Positive contact works as a treatment, and a low dose is sufficient to heal the deleterious effects of negative contact.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):