This paper discusses the impact racial homogeneity has on the social capital of US cities. This effect is examined by comparing the social capital of the racially homogenous Seattle, Atlanta, and Detroit with the racially diverse Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago. Social capital levels are measured using community quotients from the Social Capital Community Benchmark Survey, and racial diversity is determined through the 2000 US census reports. It is understood that with enhanced insight into what effects a successful (high social capital) city, society as a whole will benefit in its ability to provide a stable, secure, and efficient environment for people to live in. This paper speculates that cities with racial homogeneity will experience higher levels of social capital, as people generally feel more comfortable/trusting of those with whom they share a common bond. Race can facilitate this bond. Bridging versus bonding forms of social capital are discussed as well as the implications of each on the nation as a whole. For better or worse, racial homogeneity is correlated to high social capital and is determined to have a causal effect on the level of a city’s social capital.

Some topics in this essay:
Los Angeles, Difficulties Overall, York Maybe, Putnam SCCBS, Benchmark Survey, social capital, Putnam Putnam, Angeles Houston, Detroit Atlanta, Club SCCBS, Dr Truex’s, los angeles, racial homogeneity, racially homogeneous, racially diverse, community quotient, homogeneity social capital, social trust, civic leadership, homogeneity social, racial homogeneity social, racial diversity, forms social capital, social capital community, bonding social capital,