Attitudes towards Polish immigrants to the Republic of Ireland: an integrated threat analysis

Abstract

Research has shown that the experience of threat plays a role in attitudes towards immigrants. Using the integrated threat theory of prejudice, the present study investigated the putative association between three threat variables (realistic threat, symbolic threat and intergroup anxiety) and prejudice and discrimination. Findings from two studies using community and university samples (N = 112 and 83, respectively) revealed limited support for integrated threat when applied to assessments of Polish versus Irish job applicants. Limitations and suggestions for further research are outlined.

Keywords:

• Prejudice
• discrimination
• immigrants
• integrated threat
• Ireland
• attitudes

Notes

1. Unfortunately, these investigators deliberately excluded migrants from eastern European countries that belong to the EU on the grounds that it is impossible to draw a representative sample of this particular group.

2. No differences were noted for male and female participants (i.e. for both groups, skill was the only statistically significant predictor). As well, when each indicant of prejudice and discrimination was examined separately, no statistically significant main effects for group (Polish/Irish) or group x skill interactions were apparent.

3. As estimated salary did not correlate with any of the variables measured using sample 2, it was discarded as an indicant of job-based discrimination.

4. It should be noted that the correlation coefficient between scores on the evaluation thermometer and the component score of applicant favourability was not statistically significant, r(72) = −.01.