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Homogeneity and Smallness: Dahl and Tufte Revisited
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1999
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Intergroup ConflictEducationEthnic Group RelationAbstract Object TheorySocial SciencesDemocracyIsland StatesSmall UnitsCultural DiversityState StructureGeopoliticsCoexistenceHomogenization TheoryIsland CommunitiesMulticulturalismCritical TheoryLiterary HistoryHumanitiesPolitical GeographyPolitical PluralismPolitical ScienceSocial Diversity
Dahl and Tufte argue that small units are more homogeneous while larger units are more diverse, and microstates—often island states—may manage ethnic diversity through intimate community solidarity. The study finds that smaller states are more homogeneous in attitudes but show no significant ethnic or religious diversity differences, suggesting that larger units transform categorical diversity into attitudinal differences.
In their well‐known volume on ‘Size and Democracy’ (1973), Robert Dahl and Edward Tufte argue that small units are likely to be more homogeneous, whereas larger units are likely to exhibit more diversity. This study of the microstates of the world and of selected control groups of states supports this view only in part. In terms of attitudinal diversity, smaller units are indeed more homogeneous. In terms of ethnic and religious diversity, however, no significant differences emerge between small states and large states. This suggests that categoric differences are transformed in larger units to a greater extent into attitudinal differences. Bearing in mind that most microstates are island states, the capacity of microstates to manage ethnic diversity may in several cases be due to the intimacy of island communities which binds members together in mutual solidarity.