Handen schudden in multicultureel Nederland: het effect van plaatsvervangend contact op de houding ten aanzien van moslims in Nederland

Abstract

This study examined the effect of vicarious contact with Muslims on the attitudes of Dutch native citizens (N = 129) towards Muslims. It examined this effect within the context of a lively debate in the Netherlands – should Muslims be able to refuse shaking hands with women? A question with both scientific and societal ramifications. On one hand religious freedom is at stake, but on the other hand Dutch in-group norms are being violated. In an experimental survey participants were asked to read a certain setting in which either positive or negative vicarious contact had been made salient by illustrating respectively the acceptation or refusal of a handshake between a Muslim man and a Dutch woman. Thereafter out-group attitudes were measured. Several analyses of (co)variance were conducted, to investigate the role of sex, in-group norms and positive direct contact. Remarkably, the analyses showed no significant effects of either positive or negative vicarious contact. However, in-group norms and positive direct contact did seem to influence the relationship between vicarious contact and out-group attitudes. Having more positive direct contact weakened the effect of vicarious contact, whereas a strong in-group norm strengthened it.