Editing Multiculturalism (section)

==== Effect of diversity on civic engagement ====
A 2007 study by [[Robert D. Putnam|Robert Putnam]] encompassing 30,000 people across the US found that diversity had a negative effect on civic engagement. The greater the diversity, the fewer people voted and the less they volunteered for community projects; also, trust among neighbours was only half that of homogenous communities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archive.boston.com/news/globe/ideas/articles/2007/08/05/the_downside_of_diversity/|title=The downside of diversity |website=The Boston Globe|language=en|access-date=31 December 2018}}</ref> Putnam says, however, that "in the long run immigration and diversity are likely to have important cultural, economic, fiscal, and developmental benefits", as long as society successfully overcomes the short-term problems.<ref name="Putnam, Robert D. 2007"/> Putnam adds that his "extensive research and experience confirm the substantial benefits of diversity, including racial and ethnic diversity, to our society."<ref>{{cite news|last=Berlett|first=Tom|url=https://www.chronicle.com/blogs/percolator/robert-putnam-says-his-research-was-twisted/30357|title=Harvard Sociologist Says His Research Was 'Twisted'|date=15 August 2012|work=[[The Chronicle of Higher Education]]}}</ref>[[File:San Carlos de la Barra Fort, Isla de San Carlos, Estado Zulia, Venezuela.jpg|thumb|Bartizan in Venezuela]]