Ethnic Diversity and Physical Integrity Rights - A study of the effect of ethnic fractionalization, ethnic polarization and cultural fractionalization on countries' respect for physical integrity rights

Abstract

This study examines the effects of ethnic fractionalization, ethnic polarization and cultural fractionalization on countries’ respect for physical integrity rights by performing comprehensive statistical analyses on cross-section time series data covering the period 1991 to 2016. To measure ethnic fractionalization and ethnic polarization I use data from the Composition of Religious and Ethnic Groups (CREG) project, which varies over time as opposed to other commonly used measures of ethnic fractionalization. I also use a measure of cultural fractionalization based on linguistic differences between ethnic groups. How ethnic diversity affects countries economic and social outcomes is one central question in the debate on why some states are economically and politically successful while others are not. My results provide no support for ethnic fractionalization, ethnic polarization or cultural fractionalization having a negative effect on countries’ respect for physical integrity rights. My results also show that ethnic fractionalization and ethnic polarization has a curvilinear effect on countries’ respect for physical integrity rights. This shows that ethnic and cultural diversity does not necessarily lead to negative outcomes.