Perception of value congruence and interethnic behavioral intentions

Abstract

Two studies were conducted to investigate the effects of ethnocentrism, cognitive differentiation and extent of contact/information experienced with three stimulus groups varying in ethnicity on (a) respondents' perceptions of similarity in personal values between themselves and members of these ethnic groups, and (b) social distance orientations toward these groups. None of the predictor variables systematically induced differential attributions of value similarity. Ethnocentrism was found to be the most potent determinant of social distance, with low ethnocentric persons showing less social distance toward ethnic outgroups. The results were generally compatible with the notion of social competition proposed by Turner (1975) as a relevant factor in interethnic relations and are discussed in relation to the belief differences theory of prejudice (Rokeach, Smith & Evans, 1960) and the concept of positive prejudice (Dienstbier, 1970; Dutton, 1976).