Prejudice Toward Immigrants¹

TLDR

The study discusses implications of the findings for intergroup relations. The authors used four variables—realistic threats, symbolic threats, intergroup anxiety, and negative stereotypes—to predict prejudice toward Cuban, Mexican, and Asian immigrants among students in Florida, New Mexico, and Hawaii. All four variables significantly predicted prejudice, are conceptually and empirically distinct, and collectively reflect a threat to the in‑group.

Abstract

In the present study, 4 variables (realistic threats, symbolic threats, intergroup anxiety, and negative stereotypes) were used to predict prejudice toward immigrants from Cuba, Mexico, and Asia in samples of students from states in the United States that are affected by immigration from these areas (Florida, New Mexico, and Hawaii, respectively). All 4 variables were significant (or marginally significant) predictors of attitudes toward these immigrant groups. Evidence is presented that the predictor variables are conceptually and empirically distinct. However, these variables do appear to be tied together by an underlying theme: They all concern threats to the in‐group or its members. Some of the implications of the results for intergroup relations are discussed.