Representative Bridging

Abstract

Do urban voluntary associations foster bridging social ties? Recent research on diverse urban areas suggests that local voluntary associations may be forming ties between different social groups. Research on associations, however, suggests that the memberships of such organizations are typically demographically homogeneous. Using demographic and geo-spatial data on 1,032 members of 25 independent community choirs in Boston, this article demonstrates that, in line with associational research, urban associations offer relatively few opportunities for direct demographic bridging due to internal racial homogeneity. There is substantial variation, however, in the characteristics of neighborhoods where members live. This variation opens opportunities for members to act as representatives of diverse neighborhoods creating representative bridging ties between groups. While likely producing less dramatic changes in attitudes than direct bridging ties, representative bridging opportunities are far more common, and, therefore, may serve as a first step toward greater tolerance and trust in diverse metropolitan settings.