Culture contact and national sentiment

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between culture contact and national sentiment in the unique social setting of a newly independent nation. The study tested the hypothesis that for a group of Australian expatriate students at a multi-racial school in Papua New Guinea there would be a positive relationship between number of years of residence in Papua New Guinea and positive attitudes towards national independence. A sample of 75 Australian expatriate students answered a questionnaire that included attitude items, Cantril's ladder measures, and various measures relating to social interaction, social distance, and perceived similarity. Results supported the hypothesis and in general they were consistent with its underlying assumptions, although it was noted that a selective migration interpretation of the findings was also possible.