Impact of Intergroup Contact on Immigration Attitudes: A Case Study of Slovak Attitudes Toward Chinese Immigrants during COVID-19 Pandemic

Bc. Lukrécia Sarah HAŠKOVÁ

Master's thesis

Intergroup contact and immigration attitudes: using Slovak attitudes toward Chinese immigrants as a case study

Abstract:

Intergroup contact is believed to improve intergroup relations by reducing prejudice and promoting more positive attitudes toward individual outgroup members and even the outgroup as a whole. Intergroup contact and immigration attitudes have been studied across many countries. However, studies on attitudes toward Chinese immigrants in Slovakia are fairly rare. Moreover, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the association of COVID-19 with China and Chinese people might have a negative impact on attitudes toward Chinese people and even lead to discriminatory behaviors. To date, few researchers have addressed this issue. Drawing on previous studies on intergroup contact and intergroup threat, this thesis employs a qualitative research methodology to explore the impact of intergroup contact on immigration attitudes, using Slovak attitudes toward the Chinese outgroup during COVID-19 pandemic as a case study. The aim of this thesis is to study the intergroup contact between Slovak majority members and Chinese immigrants from the perspective of the majority group, the perception of Chinese immigrants, and attitudes toward them. The present study also offers one of the first investigations into the impact of association of COVID-19 with China and Chinese people on attitudes toward the Chinese outgroup in Slovakia. Moreover, it provides new insights into intergroup contact and intergroup relations between majority members and Chinese immigrants.

Abstract:

Intergroup contact is believed to improve intergroup relations by reducing prejudice and promoting more positive attitudes toward individual outgroup members and even the outgroup as a whole. Intergroup contact and immigration attitudes have been studied across many countries. However, studies on attitudes toward Chinese immigrants in Slovakia are fairly rare. Moreover, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the association of COVID-19 with China and Chinese people might have a negative impact on attitudes toward Chinese people and even lead to discriminatory behaviors. To date, few researchers have addressed this issue. Drawing on previous studies on intergroup contact and intergroup threat, this thesis employs a qualitative research methodology to explore the impact of intergroup contact on immigration attitudes, using Slovak attitudes toward the Chinese outgroup during COVID-19 pandemic as a case study. The aim of this thesis is to study the intergroup contact between Slovak majority members and Chinese immigrants from the perspective of the majority group, the perception of Chinese immigrants, and attitudes toward them. The present study also offers one of the first investigations into the impact of association of COVID-19 with China and Chinese people on attitudes toward the Chinese outgroup in Slovakia. Moreover, it provides new insights into intergroup contact and intergroup relations between majority members and Chinese immigrants.

Keywords

intergroup contact, Chinese immigrants, Slovakia, COVID-19, attitudes

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 24. 6. 2021

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Mgr. Runya Qiaoan, Ph.D.

Palacký University Olomouc

Faculty of Arts

Master programme / field:
Asian Studies / Asian Studies, Specialization Chinese Language and Culture