ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we show that social infrastructure such as schools, workplaces, and voluntary associations (including those in sport and culture) are important platforms for network diversity. Our survey indicates that not all groups have equal access to these infrastructure, for example, Malays are less well-represented in higher levels of education. We also find that groups such as public housing residents are less likely to join voluntary associations, including sport and cultural ones. On the other hand, young people (i.e., 21 to 34 years) are better represented in higher levels of education and are more likely to participate in sport and cultural activities than older ones (35 and older). Despite lower representation in higher levels of education, we find that education increases network diversity at faster rates for Malays and public housing residents than non-Malays and private housing residents, suggesting organisational participation is an important means by which the former groups may increase their social connectivity. However, we also find that schooling increases network diversity at slower rates for young people (21 to 34 years), suggesting a growing pattern of segregation in schools in more recent cohorts. Fortunately, the workplace enhances the network diversity of the young (21 to 34 years) expanding their range of contacts after graduation.
