Sports elites, counter‐stereotypical statements, and immigration attitudes

Abstract

AbstractObjectivePolitical and social elite rhetoric can have a robust impact on individuals’ policy stances, particularly when recipients of persuasive messages share an in‐group identity with the messenger and when the information is counter‐stereotypical. In this study, we build on Harrison and Michelson's (2017) theory of dissonant identity priming (TDIP) and examine an understudied topic, the effectiveness of National Football League (NFL) elite pro‐immigration statements in shifting individuals’ perspectives on immigration topics.MethodsWe explore this question using two unique randomized survey experiments, one conducted face‐to‐face with residents of Winston‐Salem, North Carolina, and one using a national Internet‐based sample.ResultsWe find little support for our expectation that counter‐stereotypical messages on immigration and immigrants delivered by NFL elites can be effective in shaping the views of their shared in‐groups (those who are NFL fans or those who share their race).ConclusionWhile TDIP can explain individuals’ shift in support of same‐sex marriage, we cannot say the same for the effectiveness of sports elites’ statements on immigration and immigrants.