Perceptions of Social Distance in an Ethnically Fluid Community

Abstract

Using a revised version of Bogardus' social distance scale, this research examines social distance toward other ethnic groups and races from the perspectives of Latinos, African-Americans, and whites residing in an increasingly suburban North Carolina county. Analyses indicate that blacks and whites report closer social distance to each other than to any other racial or ethnic group. Blacks express greater social distance toward Mexicans than do whites. Mexicans report greater social distance toward African-American than toward whites. Willingness to marry members of other racial and ethnic groups mirror these same patterns.