Perception of Immigrants in Poland in the Context of Threats Vs Gains Resulted From Immigration

The study was based on the assumption that a sense of security or threat (cultural, economic, personal) will affect intergroup relations (Berry et al., 1977; Stephan & Stephan, 2000) and perception of out-groups. In the study (N=370) one half of respondents read an information about possible, resulted from immigration, threats to the society (in cultural vs economic realm), and the other half read about possible gains (in cultural vs economic realm). Next, participants were asked to rate the extent to which they agreed with such an opinion. Then they rated immigrants’ groups (Arabs, Black Africans, Chechens, Ukrainians, and Vietnamese) on scales reflecting warmth and competence (Fiske et al. 2002). Results showed that Vietnamese were perceived in the most positive way, followed by Black Africans and Ukrainians, Arabs and Chechens, as the most negative group. Findings also revealed significant main effect of threats vs gains condition on perception of immigrants on the competence dimension (lower rates in the threat condition), and the main effect of cultural vs economic realm on the warmth dimension (lower rates in economic realm). Splitting the sample into subsamples according to how much participants agreed with an opinion on threats vs gains (Yes vs No to threats, Yes vs No to gains) showed a complex pattern of immigrants’ evaluation. Results were discussed in relation 5to the e contact hypothesis and the Fiske et al.’ stereotype content model. Findings suggested also that threats (and gains) related to society‘s economy might be more important than threats to culture.