Development of xenophobia and aggression

Abstract

This paper summarizes the results of a series of interdisciplinary empirical studies on the roots of xenophobia and aggression, conducted by the German Youth Institute (Munich), in co‐operation with the universities of Munich and Jena. Analyses of police records, sentences, longitudinal studies, and intensive studies with xenophobic adolescents, offenders and control groups show different paths of development of aggression, xenophobia, antisocial behavior, and right‐wing extremist ideologies. Some patterns of behavior and extreme emotions preceding later xenophobic violence (anger, hate, hyperactivity, aggression, anxiousness, fear, grief) can be detected early in childhood. Factors starting with differences in the temperament of the children and influences in families, schools and peer‐groups can reinforce or reduce these tendencies. Prevention should concentrate on early emotional socialization and social learning.