Relations of racial-ethnic diversity and trust to volunteering rates in the 50 American States

Research with the 50 American states as analytical units examined the relations of state racial-ethnic diversity (RED) to state formal volunteering (FV) rates. Without and with the consideration of various statistical controls, higher RED was associated consistently with lower FV rates. This relation was maintained for White, non-White, male, female, married, unmarried, and age-group subpopulations. Importantly, trust of neighbours could fully account for each of these associations. It is speculated that trust fostered in areas of heightened homophily is the operative factor underlying the association between RED and FV rates, and that these state-level relations are grounded in corresponding individual-level relations. It also is suggested that where foundations for such interpersonal trust exist, there is greater opportunity for shared purpose, cooperation, and desire to engage in FV, which has the potential to enhance racial-ethnic social identities and promote the bonds of a more inclusive national identity.