ANTIFOREIGN SENTIMENT IN GERMANY - POWER THEORY VERSUS SYMBOLIC EXPLANATIONS OF PREJUDICE

Two theories are most frequently advanced to explain relationships bet ween majority and minority groups: power theory and the symbolic theor y of prejudice. A measure of ''economic satisfaction'' is used to tap the power threat of foreigners in Germany. It is rested against a meas ure of ''German identity'' which is a more symbolic measure of prejudi ce. Overall, a linear structural relations analysis demonstrates that although the power variable does perform as hypothesized, its effects are much smaller than the symbolic measure of German identity. The res ults challenge the assertion by some that prejudicial or racist attitu des play minor roles in explaining conflict between groups.