African American and Latino Perceptions of Cohesion in a Multiethnic Neighborhood

Abstract

Although cohesive neighborhoods are associated with a wide variety of positive outcomes for residents, little research on neighborhood cohesion has been done in multiethnic neighborhoods. This exploratory study combines the administration of Buckner’s Neighborhood Cohesion Index to 50 Latinos and 50 African Americans, with semistructured qualitative interviews with 14 Latino and African American residents. Results from the quantitative cohesion measure indicate a moderate level of cohesion in the neighborhood, with Latinos having a significantly higher degree of attraction to the neighborhood as well as neighborly contact. An analysis of the qualitative interviews indicates differences between the two groups, although both groups agree that mutual aid and respect are keys to cohesion. Even with the social distance between ethnic groups, both groups are willing to work together to improve their neighborhood.