Can competing diversity indices inform us about why ethnic diversity erodes social cohesion? A test of five diversity indices in Germany

► I link theories on ethnic diversity effects with competing diversity indices. ► I compare five diversity indices as predictors of social cohesion in Germany. ► Apart of a general negative relation, the competing indices are uninformative. ► Simulations suggest under which conditions competing diversity indices can be used. ► Range of minority shares and inclusion of polarized and diverse compositions matter.