Are the Dutch Tolerant? Examining the difference in anti-immigrant attitudes between religious and non-religious Dutch

Abstract

This study uses the fourth wave of the European Value Study (EVS) to examine the role of religiosity and conservatism on anti-immigrant attitudes. It does so by using the Social Identity Theory and the Integrated Threat Theory. The Social Identity Theory explains the way in which social identity is constructed and that religion can be a part of this social identity. The Integrated Threat Theory explains how this social identity can be threatened and how this can result in negative attitudes toward other groups. In this thesis, we aim to answer the research question: To what extent can anti-immigrant attitudes among religious and non-religious Dutch be explained in terms of religiosity and conservatism? The main focus will be on the role of religion and conservatism. We not only try to explain if and why religion has an influence on anti-immigrant attitudes but also try to examine the importance of how strictly someone practices their faith and differences between various religious denominations. Most important results are that there are no differences between religious and non-religious Dutch in anti-immigrant attitudes. The belief that religion offers the only truth causes more negative attitudes toward immigrants. On the other hand, a high frequency of attendance of religious services causes more positive attitudes toward immigrants. The influence of conservatism on anti-immigrant attitudes provides a starting point for further research.