What is it about?
South Africa is a violent society but the problem of anti-immigrant violence is distinct and deserves special attention. Currently there is substantial contention on what determines participation in such aggression. Using public opinion data, this article looks at how anti-immigrant sentiment drives participation in xenophobic violence.
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Why is it important?
This study shows that anti-immigrant sentiment is a robust predictor of potential participation in violence. This suggests that anti-immigrant perceptions could have a mobilising effect, spurring individuals towards acts of violent xenophobia.
Perspectives
The results of this study show that millions of ordinary South Africans are prepared to engage in anti-immigrant behaviour. So it is vital that the resources dedicated to combating xenophobia be equal to the size of the problem.
Dr Steven Lawrence Gordon
Human Sciences Research Council
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Understanding the attitude–behaviour relationship: a quantitative analysis of public participation in anti-immigrant violence in South Africa, South African Journal of Psychology, February 2019, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/0081246319831626.
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