Behavioral Effects of Discriminatory Attitudes: Justifying Xenophobia

In global environment, representatives of different ethnic groups interact in everyday life. This interaction seldom leads to mutual understanding and acceptance; on the contrary, it may eventually result in xenophobia, i.e., fear or distaste of strangers or and their ways. This social phenomenon is often based on prejudice and cultural ignorance, which may cause discrimination against other ethnic, national, or religious groups. This research focused on the behavioral effects of a discriminatory personal attitude manifested as justification of xenophobia. It relied on a Google Forms survey of 411 people (14–64 y.o.; 20% men, 80% women). The discriminatory attitude analysis involved an express version of J. Duckitt’s methodology, adapted by D. S. Grigoriev. The level of xenophobia justification was assessed using an authentic questionnaire, which included statements of religious, national, economic, gender, and cultural prejudices. One third of respondents justified xenophobia while another third denied it. The most popular excuses for xenophobia included refusal to follow the norms of the host country, attempts to impose foreign norms on the host population, non-compliance with local laws, defiant behavior, and cultural alienation. The justification of xenophobia correlated with right-wing authoritarianism, social domineering, and belief in dangerous / competitive worlds. Less intensive discriminatory attitudes were associated with efforts to increase cultural integration and intercultural awareness.