Exploring UK Public Attitudes Towards Stateless People: A Network Analysis

Abstract This study provides quantitative evidence on UK public attitudes towards stateless people, comparing them with attitudes towards refugees and asylum seekers. A cross-sectional UK survey ( n = 385) was conducted. Network analysis modelled associations between social policy attitudes and prejudice towards stateless people, refugees, and asylum seekers, alongside other variables, including political orientation and perceived threat. Social policy attitudes were more restrictive towards stateless people than refugees, but less restrictive than towards asylum seekers. Prejudice towards stateless people was not significantly different to that towards refugees or asylum seekers. Prejudice and social policy attitudes were highly interrelated between all three groups, with political orientation and perceived threat the strongest predictors. Findings demonstrate similarities in UK public attitudes towards stateless people, refugees, and asylum seekers. Awareness-raising interventions and interventions addressing political and threat-based narratives may be most effective in reducing discrimination and fostering inclusion of stateless people.