Anti-Immigrant Attitudes: The Role of Casual Intergroup Contact in Perceived Group Threat

Abstract

Contextual diversity is considered a prime source of perceived threat from immigrants. Contact theory by contrast suggests that diverse contexts decrease threat by offering opportunities for intergroup contact. Empirical evidence largely shows the effect of positive or negative contact while in reality casual contact, i.e., superficial involuntary contact that does not feature close relationships, is the predominant form of contact. Using data from Turkey on attitudes toward Syrian immigrants, we show that when casual contact is frequent, threat perceptions rise. Our findings invite revisions to the scope conditions of contact theory and the mechanisms behind conflict theory.