Zou jij hier willen integreren? Het effect van intergroepscontact op de steun voor een strenger integratiebeleid door autochtone Nederlanders verklaard door angst, empathie en stereotypen

Abstract

This study examines the effect of intergroup contact on support for a strict integration policy explained by the mediating role of anxiety, empathy and negative stereotypes. Qualitative and quantitative positive and negative contact experienced by Dutch natives with ethnic minorities were measured, as well as support for a strict integration policy by Dutch natives. This study contributes to this field of research by giving the first insights into attitudes towards the integration policy and the role of intergroup contact herein. It was executed in light of discussion about what the integration policy should contain. Due to the quantitative design an online survey was spread and 220 respondents fully completed this. Regression analysis and mediation analysis were conducted to obtain an answer to the research question. Results reveal that the effect of positive intergroup contact on less support for a strict integration policy can be fully explained by more empathy and less negative stereotypes. The effect of negative intergroup contact on more support for a strict integration policy can be partially explained by less empathy and more negative stereotypes. No significant effects were found for anxiety. Further practical and theoretical implications are discussed.