From Economic Inequality to Intolerance: The Role of Conspiracy Beliefs in Anti-Immigrant Sentiment

Jolley, Daniel; Hattersley, Michael; Skipper, Yvonne; Douglas, Karen

Abstract

On 31st December 2023, a disused pub in Dublin, Ireland, was set ablaze in a suspected arson attack. Earlier that month, the building had been subject to protests amid claims that the building would be used to house asylum seekers, leading to suggestions that the fire was started deliberately by far-right extremists with hostile sentiments towards immigrants. Over the past year, such attacks have occurred with increasing frequency in both Ireland and the UK amid rising negative sentiments towards migration.

A common feature alongside such sentiments is belief in conspiracy theories, defined as attempts to explain the ultimate causes of political and social events with claims of secretive plots by two or more collaborating actors. Migration often features heavily in these conspiracy theories, such as the claim that immigrants from Muslim countries are covertly plotting to displace European culture and establish Sharia law.

Such narratives do not exist in a vacuum: they have a considerable impact on individuals and societies, fostering prejudices, influencing political choices, and even encouraging violent behaviours. This project attempted to contextualise the relationship between belief in conspiracy theories and anti-immigrant sentiments by considering the impact of economic inequality and the perception that society's fabric is crumbling (i.e., societal anomie).

In six studies (n = 3,643), we found evidence of the interplay between economic inequality, societal anomie, and belief in immigrant conspiracy theories and their impact on various measures of anti-immigrant sentiments, including beliefs (e.g., stance on policy) and behavioural intentions (e.g., violence). Notably, therefore, our theoretical model was consistently supported by different designs (self-report, quasi-experimental, and experimental), increasing the robustness of our research program. Our data suggest potential solutions for reducing hostility towards immigrants.

Our research establishes a clear link between economic inequality, the perception of societal breakdown, and conspiracy-driven anti-immigrant sentiment. Addressing these factors can help mitigate hostility towards immigrants, fostering a more inclusive and harmonious society. To promote social cohesion, policymakers, researchers, and community leaders must collaborate to address these inequalities.

Citation

Jolley, D., Hattersley, M., Skipper, Y., & Douglas, K. (2024). From Economic Inequality to Intolerance: The Role of Conspiracy Beliefs in Anti-Immigrant Sentiment. University of Nottingham

• Report Type: Project Report
• Online Publication Date: Sep 1, 2024
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2024
• Deposit Date: Aug 30, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 3, 2024
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/38911924