Ethnic Minority Labeling, Multiculturalism, and the Attitude of Majority Group Members

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of single (e.g., “Turks”) and dual ethnic minority labels (“Turkish Dutch”) on the attitude of (Dutch) majority group members. Following the dual identity version of the common in-group identity model, it was predicted that attitudes will be more positive toward minority groups that are described with dual labels compared with single labels. In addition, it was expected that the effect of labeling on out-group attitudes will be stronger for participants who endorse multiculturalism.The findings are in agreement with these different predictions, but alternative interpretations are discussed. The results show the importance of labeling in interethnic relations.