Towards a Social Identity Model of Residential Diversification

The consequences of residential diversification are hotly debated with evidence across the social sciences (including psychology) showing both positive and negative effects but providing limited theoretical explanation. Our own work uses the Social Identity Approach to Health (‘Social Cure’ approach) to explore how community identity dynamics shape residents’ experiences of residential diversification. Survey studies in religiously and ethnically mixed residential areas indicate how community identification may help support more positive intergroup perceptions and encounters by reducing intergroup anxiety. Qualitative research illustrates that community identity processes differ fundamentally for incomers and long-term residents in ways which may lead to conflict as well as cooperation. In this talk I reflect on the limitations of this work and outline what would be required to develop a properly integrated and evidenced Social Identity Model of Residential Diversification.