Differences in social difference: examining third party effects on relational stability

In this paper, I examine the effect that the difference in racial heritage between two actors has on the stability of their social tie. I assume that there is a negative association between cross-race relations and relational stability. I examine the extent to which this negative association is rooted in the interpersonal dynamics within the relation itself or in the pressures derived from third party actors associated with the focal actors. I find that race matters. Cross-race relations are more fragile than comparable same-race relations. However, I find that race matters most when a focal alter is a racial isolate in an individual's social network. I conclude that the negative association between cross-race relations and relational stability is rooted in dynamics around the relation with the racial isolate and not within the relation itself.