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Prejudice towards Immigrants: A Conceptual and Theoretical Overview on Its Social Psychological Determinants

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  • Flavia Albarello

    (Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Silvia Moscatelli

    (Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 5, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Michela Menegatti

    (Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 5, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Fabio Lucidi

    (Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Elisa Cavicchiolo

    (Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy)

  • Sara Manganelli

    (National Institute for the Evaluation of the Education System (INVALSI), 00153 Rome, Italy)

  • Pierluigi Diotaiuti

    (Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy)

  • Andrea Chirico

    (Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Fabio Alivernini

    (Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Immigration processes and the possible marginalization of ethnic minorities in the receiving countries are essential issues in contemporary societies. Prejudice and discrimination can be critical obstacles to immigrants’ integration into the host country and can severely affect their well-being and mental health. This theoretical and conceptual overview aims to highlight the critical social–psychological processes underlying attitudes toward immigrants. First, it tackles the social psychological roots of social prejudice by focusing on the role of individual (ideological, motivational, and cultural) factors and categorization processes. Second, it examines how contextual factors such as intergroup perceptions and structural relations can lead to high levels of prejudice and discrimination towards immigrants. This review highlights how prejudice against immigrants can be driven by various factors at the individual and contextual level, suggesting that programs aimed at facilitating harmonious relations in contemporary multi-ethnic societies should consider such different determinants. Accordingly, the conclusion discusses possible interventions that can promote better relations between the majority and immigrant groups and counteract the negative impact of discrimination.

Suggested Citation

  • Flavia Albarello & Silvia Moscatelli & Michela Menegatti & Fabio Lucidi & Elisa Cavicchiolo & Sara Manganelli & Pierluigi Diotaiuti & Andrea Chirico & Fabio Alivernini, 2023. "Prejudice towards Immigrants: A Conceptual and Theoretical Overview on Its Social Psychological Determinants," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-18, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:13:y:2023:i:1:p:24-:d:1308054
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hopkins, Daniel J., 2010. "Politicized Places: Explaining Where and When Immigrants Provoke Local Opposition," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 104(1), pages 40-60, February.
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