Prejudice toward Immigrants to Spain and Israel

TLDR

Attitudes toward immigrants are framed by four threat types: symbolic, realistic, intergroup anxiety, and negative stereotypes. The study applied an integrated threat theory model with four variables to predict attitudes toward immigrant groups in Spain and Israel. All four threat types predicted immigrant attitudes, with intergroup anxiety and negative stereotypes emerging as the most powerful and consistent predictors, underscoring the theory’s relevance for understanding and reducing prejudice.

Abstract

An integrated threat theory composed of four variables was used to predict attitudes toward immigrant groups in Spain and Israel. The four threats are symbolic threats based on value differences between groups; realistic threats to the power, resources, and well-being of the in-group; anxiety concerning social interaction with out-group members; and feelings of threat arising from negative stereotypes of the out-group. All four threats were significant predictors of attitudes toward one or more of the immigrant groups. It was predicted, and found, that intergroup anxiety and negative stereotypes were more powerful and consistent predictors of prejudicial attitudes toward immigrants than were realistic threats or symbolic threats. The implications of the theory for the causes and reduction of prejudice were discussed.