NCJ Number
101739
Journal
American Journal of Sociology Volume: 91 Issue: 6 Dated: (May 1986) Pages: 1409-1430
Date Published
1986
Length
22 pages
Annotation
Using 1970 Census and 1972-1975 National Crime Survey data for 25 metropolitan communities and their corresponding Statistical Metropolitan Areas (SMSA's), this study tested several structural determinants of interracial association (marriage and crime) derived from Blau's (1977) theory of social structure.
Abstract
Interracial marriage rates averaged 378 couples per SMSA; interracial victimization rates were computed for rape, robbery, and assault and the total of all 3. Consistent with theoretical predictions, moderate, positive correlations were found between these two forms of intergroup associations. Both interracial marriage and interracial crime were influenced significantly by at least one of the structural conditions identified by Blau (i.e., group size, social heterogeneity, status inequality, and segregation). However, contrary to initial expectations, the effects of social structure varied by form of intergroup association. The rate of interracial marriage was positively affected by the degree of racial income equality, while interracial crime rates were more strongly influenced by relative group size and racial residential segregation. Possible explanations for the differential effects of structural variables on different forms of association are discussed. 68 references. (Author abstract modified)