Social psychological analyses and explanations for hostility toward foreigners in Germany

A series of empirical studies, primarily in the field of social psychology are presented, analyzing hostile and prejudiced attitudes towards foreigner s living in Germany. Attitudes towards minorities in Germany are not positi ve in comparison to other European countries, everyday systematic ethnic di scrimination appears to be taking place. In addition, one could also observ e differences between demographic groups, such as a higher rejection rate o f foreigners in East Germany or higher prejudice towards foreigners among t he less educated. Empirical results explaining prejudice against foreigners will be discussed: these include studies analyzing the effects of direct c ontact with foreigners, the effects of mediated information such as by pare nts and the media, the influences of: perceived competition and relative de privation, intergroup anxiety, authoritarianism, social dominance orientati on, national identification, and ethnic intergroup relations. Prejudiced ut terances are dependent on situational influences; social cues, for example, may predetermine one to act in a social desirable way. There is not enough information at present about the proximal situational cues that may trigge r physical violence against foreigners. The paper ends with a discussion on possible measures to counter hostility against foreigners in Germany. Thes e include interventions among the police and justice sectors, proposals for a better thematic presentation in both the political and the media worlds, as well as interventions in youth work, particularly in public schools.