Abstract
Based upon predictions from 1996 about future trends in ethnocentric
reactions in the Netherlands, we investigate the trends in ethnocentric
reactions among the general public from 1979 to 2012. We distinguish two
forms of ethnocentric reactions: negative attitudes towards ethnic minorities
and public support for ethnic discrimination. In line with one of the predictions
from 1996, we find an increase in negative attitudes towards ethnic
minorities. Although this relates to increasing levels of diversity in the Netherlands,
this finding may also reflect a decrease in the social norm that prohibits
overt negative stances towards ethnic minorities. With regard to public
support for ethnic discrimination, we find no clear upward or downward
trend since the mid-nineties. Lower educated and older birth cohorts show
stronger ethnocentric reactions. Although there are some indications that
those with secondary educational levels and the youngest birth cohorts show
stronger ethnocentric reactions over time, there are no significant differences
in trends across educational levels and birth cohorts. Changes in ethnocentric
reactions are rather robust across different social categories.
reactions in the Netherlands, we investigate the trends in ethnocentric
reactions among the general public from 1979 to 2012. We distinguish two
forms of ethnocentric reactions: negative attitudes towards ethnic minorities
and public support for ethnic discrimination. In line with one of the predictions
from 1996, we find an increase in negative attitudes towards ethnic
minorities. Although this relates to increasing levels of diversity in the Netherlands,
this finding may also reflect a decrease in the social norm that prohibits
overt negative stances towards ethnic minorities. With regard to public
support for ethnic discrimination, we find no clear upward or downward
trend since the mid-nineties. Lower educated and older birth cohorts show
stronger ethnocentric reactions. Although there are some indications that
those with secondary educational levels and the youngest birth cohorts show
stronger ethnocentric reactions over time, there are no significant differences
in trends across educational levels and birth cohorts. Changes in ethnocentric
reactions are rather robust across different social categories.
| Translated title of the contribution | Trends in ethnocentric reactions among the Dutch population, 1979-2012 |
|---|---|
| Original language | Dutch |
| Pages (from-to) | 405-433 |
| Number of pages | 29 |
| Journal | Mens en Maatschappij |
| Volume | 90 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 2015 |