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Does Exposure to Other Ethnic Regions Promote National Integration? Evidence from Nigeria

  • Oyebola Okunogbe
American Economic Journal: Applied Economics
vol. 16, no. 1, January 2024
(pp. 157-92)
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Abstract

This paper examines how temporary exposure to a different ethnic region affects national integration, using original survey data from participants in Africa's largest national youth service program. Seven years later, participants randomly assigned to serve in a state with a different ethnic majority are five times more likely to live all across the country compared to those who served in their ethnic region. They have more interethnic romantic relationships and express greater national pride. Nevertheless, immersion in a different region strengthens participants' ethnic pride and favorable attitudes toward co-ethnics. The results suggest that national and ethnic identity can thrive together.

Citation

Okunogbe, Oyebola. 2024. "Does Exposure to Other Ethnic Regions Promote National Integration? Evidence from Nigeria." American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, 16 (1): 157-92. DOI: 10.1257/app.20210266

Additional Materials

JEL Classification

  • D12 Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
  • D91 Micro-Based Behavioral Economics: Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
  • J13 Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
  • J15 Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
  • O15 Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
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