What is it about?
Immigration can be a source of uncertanty for the host population, which may increase the perception that immigrants are a threat to national resources, especially in times of economic decline. Integration policies may mitigate these effects by conveying a message of acceptance of immigrants. In an experimental study, we show that, though an economic decline fosters perceived threat, inclusive integration policies reduce the impact that this threat has on individuals' intentions to contest immigration.
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Why is it important?
We show, firstly, that economic declines promote the development of feelings of threat in the host population, which are associated with increased intentions to contest immigration and decreased intentions to act prosocially towards immigrants. However, inclusive integration policies may mitigate the effects of this threat and reduce intentions to contest immigration even in times when resources are scarce and are perceived to be under threat.
Perspectives
We are seeing a rise in support for anti-immigration political parties and movements that is worrying. Studies like this one provide insights into what can be done to attempt to maintain tolerance and acceptance of immigrants in the host population, but more still can be studied.
Sara Alves
Center of Psychology of the University of Porto
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Dueling effects: How integration policies and economic downturns affect the (uncertain) host population’s behavioral intentions toward immigrants., Peace and Conflict Journal of Peace Psychology, August 2024, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/pac0000743.
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