National identification and attitudes towards Russian immigrants in Finland: Investigating the role of perceived threats and gains.
In this cross-sectional study, we examined the relationship between national identification of majority Finns (nation-wide probability sample, N = 335) and their attitudes towards Russian immigrants living in Finland. As previous research indicates both possibilities, we tested whether this relationship was moderated or mediated by threats and gains perceived to result from immigration. The results supported the mediation hypothesis; those individuals who identified stronger with their national ingroup perceived more threats than gains related to increased immigration and these perceptions, in turn, were associated with more negative attitudes towards immigrants. The role of realistic as opposed to symbolic threats and gains was particularly pronounced. The implications of the results are discussed in terms of their theoretical relevance and practical means to improve intergroup relations, with a particular focus on the relations between Finns and Russian immigrants in Finland.
Department of Social Research, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Asteria
A
Brylka
Open University, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Tuuli Anna
TA
Mähönen
Department of Social Research, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Inga
I
Jasinskaja-Lahti
D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011287:Prejudice; D012426:Russia; D012933:Social Identification
Outgroup attitudes; immigrants; intergroup relations; national identification; perceived threats and gains