Conceptualizing attitudes toward immigrants among undergraduate students attending a university in Southern Alberta
Abstract
Canada is commended as a country that celebrates multicultural diversity; however, literature suggests that this may not universally be the case for individual Canadians. This research study utilizes the Social Dominance Orientation 7 scale (SDO7 scale) as well as an Immigrant Attitudes Measure with undergraduate students attending a university in Southern Alberta. Questionnaires and interviews were used to achieve the purpose of this research study: to examine the socio-demographic factors, perceptions, and beliefs held by Canadian-born undergraduate students attending a university in Southern Alberta and how these elements may influence SDO and attitudes held about immigrants by these students. Using thematic analysis, six themes were established from the interviews and non-parametric statistical testing was used to establish relationships between variables. As both a member of the Canadian host society and a second-generation immigrant, the researcher also uses journaling to report personal reflections gleaned during the interview process.
Notes
Open-access-Yes
Key populations
Immigrants in general
Integration timeline
NA
Key findings
Participants were found to have more disapproval of immigrant populations
Gender had the highest association with favourable or disapproving attitudes towards immigrants (males had more unfavourable attitudes)
Different undergraduate majors did not have statistically significant differences with their tolerance of immigrant populations, but individuals interviewed mentioned a role that their majors had on opinions and tolerance
Participants are more understanding with immigrants that they know
Contrasting viewpoints surrounding immigration had emerged, with some individuals strongly opposing immigration, with political beliefs also playing a role in exclusionary views on immigrants
Participants believed that generational differences played a role in beliefs surrounding immigrants (i.e. grandparents having a fear of immigrants vs. participants themselves)
Immigrants’ pride in country may impact how they are viewed by individuals
Key recommendations
Increase awareness of immigrant perspectives for individuals providing mental health services
Acknowledge racism and discrimination by Canadians as a whole
Gaps identified
Literature surrounding views towards immigrants in Southern Alberta in particular is lower
Low sample size (eight individuals; one per program)
Community organizations
None
Location
Lethbridge
Alberta