Globalization, immigrant acculturation expectations, and extremism

Abstract In contemporary globalized societies, intercultural relations have become central to maintaining social stability and cohesion. That is, reactions toward the transformative power of globalization as well as acculturation expectations for immigrants have emerged as important topics vis-à-vis social attitudes and activism. In two studies, we examined how reactions to globalization can shape acculturation expectations toward immigrants and in turn radicalization. In correlational Study 1, global orientations were examined regarding aspects of extremism (extremist attitudes, extremist violent intention, and opposing peaceful dialogue) through immigrant acculturation expectations among an American majority sample (N = 312). Results indicated that multicultural acquisition and ethnic protection were positively associated with both extremism and extremist violent intentions. However, multicultural acquisition was also positively linked with peaceful dialogue reflecting the endorsement of positive and harmonious cross-national relations. Moreover, the immigrant acculturation expectations of individualism mediated the relationship between multicultural acquisition and both ethnic protection and peaceful dialogue. Additionally, integrationism-transformation and segregationism mediated the relationship between multicultural acquisition and extremism. In experimental and preregistered Study 2, we focused on how negative versus positive perceptions of globalization affect hostile acculturation expectations toward immigrants and in turn extremism and extremist violent intentions in a British majority sample (N = 522). Our results indicated that globalization perceived as a threat can increase assimilationism and exclusionism and in turn extremism. These results are discussed in the context of globalization and acculturation dynamics vis-à-vis violent extremism, and the studies provide better insights into how globalized connectivity may motivate hostility against immigrants and radicalization trajectories among majority groups.