Finnish-immigrant Mutual Attitudes/feelings and Perception of Each Other’s Attitudes/feelings

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study adopts a mutual approach to intergroup relations. This study does not only examine Finnish attitudes towards immigrants but immigrants’ attitudes towards Finns. In addition, this study explores the extent to which the perception immigrants and Finns have of each other’s attitudes towards one another differs from the actual attitudes both groups have towards each other. In a sample of 103 immigrants and 104 Finns, this study finds Finnish-immigrant mutual attitudes to be favourable/positive. In addition, this study finds that the perception immigrants have of Finns’ attitudes towards immigrants is less favourable than the actual attitudes Finns have towards immigrants. Lastly, the results also showed that the perception Finns have of immigrants’ attitudes towards Finns is less favourable than the actual attitudes immigrants have towards Finns. Implications and recommendations for future research are also discussed.