How In-Group Elites Shape Immigration Attitudes

• In Event: Understanding Attitudes toward Immigration

Abstract

While we have long known that elites can shape mass attitudes (Zaller 1992; Lenz 2012), the impact of these elites on social out-group attitudes is less clear (Tesler 2015; Harrison and Michelson 2017; Margolis 2018). To examine the effect of influential in-group elites’ appeals on attitudes toward immigration and prejudice toward immigrants, we employ an experimental survey of a large nationally representative sample of white Republicans and Independents in the United States (n=12500). We expose respondents to one of several simulated audio clips ostensibly from a variety of widely recognizable Republican public figures advocating the moderation of attitudes toward immigrants. We then test the effect of the treatments on support for immigration policies, affect towards immigrants, preferences about the distribution of public goods, and behavioral outcomes. We expect that a counter-stereotypical in-group elite message will reduce prejudice towards immigrants, decrease support for anti-immigrant legislation, and increase support for redistributive policies, shaping subsequent behavior. The results of this experiment hold implications for understandings of elite manipulation of public opinion and the dynamics of attitudes toward one of the most divisive matters in contemporary politics.

Authors

• Tyler Thomas Reny, University of California Los Angeles

• Justin Gest, George Mason University