Prejudice specifically defined: predictors of group-specific racial/ethnic attitudes in the United States

Abstract

ABSTRACT Post-1965 immigration has led to a new configuration of racial/ethnic diversity in the United States. Subsequently, White Americans have demonstrated more positive attitudes toward certain racial/ethnic groups relative to others. I examine attitudes of Whites who feel more or less warmly toward Asians, Hispanics, and Muslims in order to understand these relative attitudes. For Whites who view Asians more warmly than Hispanics, the strongest predictor is coolness toward undocumented immigrants, followed by warmth toward rich people vs. poor people, and concerns about immigrants taking jobs. Lower rates of undocumented immigration and higher average class backgrounds among Asians may bolster stereotypes of this group as a “model minority” relative to Hispanics. However, Muslims, who have a relatively high educational background and socioeconomic image, do not appear to derive any related benefit in reception. The strongest opposition to Muslims is among Whites with rigid “moral standards”, highlighting the relevance of Islamophobic stereotypes.