Support for refugee integration in West and East Germany: Results from two lost letter studies

Back, Mitja/ Echterhoff, Gerald/ Hellmann J H, Forthmann B, Knausenberger J, Hellmann D F, Rees J H, Gansel E

Research article (journal) | Peer reviewed

Abstract

Prior research has reported less favorable attitudes toward and more violent crimes against ethnic out-group members in East (vs. West) Germany. We conducted two pre-registered lost letter studies in West versus East German cities (Study 1, N=400) and in West versus East German rural areas (Study 2, N=400). To investigate supportive behavior regarding refugee integration, we manipulated the addressee (refugee-integration vs. immigration-stop projects). Contrary to predictions, letter return rates did not differ between West and East Germany. Across western and eastern German regions, return rates were higher for the refugee-integration project in urban areas while no differences emerged in rural areas. A pooled analysis found greater support for the refugee-integration (vs. immigration-stop) project.

Details about the publication

JournalSocial Psychology (Soc Psychol (Gott))
Volume51
Page range106-115
StatusPublished
Release year2020
Language in which the publication is writtenEnglish
DOI10.1027/1864-9335/a000397

Authors from the University of Münster

Back, Mitja
Professorship for Psychologiscal Diagnostics and Personality Psychology (Prof. Back)
Cluster of Excellence "Religion and Politics"
Echterhoff, Gerald
Professorship for Social Psychology (Prof. Echterhoff)
Forthmann, Boris
Institute of Psychology
Gansel, Eva
FB07 - Faculty of Psychology/Sport and Exercise Sciences (FB07)
Knausenberger, Judith
Professorship for Social Psychology (Prof. Echterhoff)