Xenophobia and anti-immigrant attitudes in the time of COVID-19 (2020)

Abstract

In this paper the authors use social psychological and sociological theories to explore the anticipated effects on xenophobia and anti-immigrant attitudes worldwide. They discuss the implications for the spread of xenophobic and  anti-immigration attitudes, and provide some recommendations for future research in this area.

Based on their analysis, they discuss recommendations for further research required during the ups and downs of the pandemic, as well as during recovery. They also discuss the need for research to address how to best counteract this expected surge in xenophobia and anti-immigrant attitudes. As the pandemic persists, it will be important to systematically examine its effects on xenophobia and anti-immigrant attitudes, and to develop and implement strategies that keep these negative attitudes at bay.

The devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nations and individuals has almost certainly led to increased feelings of threat and competition, heightened uncertainty, lack of control, and a rise in authoritarianism.

Recommendations for Future Research

• longitudinal work
• cross-national studies
• centering the experiences and perspectives of Immigrants
• the association of immigrants with disease
• effects of perceptions of threat and competition, heightened uncertainty, feelings of lack of control, and a rise in authoritarianism driven by the pandemic on attitudes toward immigrants, immigration levels, and immigration policies
• consider how to best counteract potential xenophobia and anti-immigrant attitudes resulting from the pandemic
• examine the impact of health officials reporting on racial inequities related to COVID- 19 morbidity
• examine the effects of virtual intergroup contact during the pandemic on reducing xenophobia and negative attitudes toward immigrants

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