Welcoming Neighbourhoods: Place Attachment and Ethno-Racial Acceptance

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between anticipated ethno-racial rejection, place attachment, and attitudes toward immigrants. Drawing from over 2,500 responses from a neighborhood level survey conducted in Melbourne, Australia, we ask if those who anticipate social rejection on the basis of their race and ethnicity report unwelcoming attitudes toward immigrants when compared to those who do not anticipate rejection. We then assess if this relationship is either strengthened or weakened for those who report strong neighborhood attachment. We find that individuals who anticipate rejection are less welcoming of immigrants. Yet, those with high levels of place attachment report more welcoming attitudes toward immigrants, even if they anticipate rejection. These findings demonstrate that place attachment is a strong protective factor against the development of harmful attitudes toward immigrants for residents who are uncertain about inclusion.