Integration, culture, and trust: A case study of minority integration in Israeli academy

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examined the effects of joint academic study involving minority students from the Bedouin population in Israel with the general population on out-group and in-group trust. Using a modified version of the trust game as a serial game with complete information and 135 students from both populations in a joint academic programme, we found that the level of trust of the Bedouin students towards the general population decreases over time, despite their having assimilated into this group. We discuss the theoretical explanations and implications of this result, along with practical recommendations for introducing complementary steps to enhance trust over time between the two populations. The latter includes creating more social and academic encounters between the groups and offering better incentives for cross-sector collaboration. This study is the first to examine the development of trust over time in academia between different ethnic groups while the groups are in national conflict.