Threats and attitudes toward Russian-speaking immigrants: a comparative study between younger and older Finns

Abstract

Using integrated threat theory as a theoretical lens to detect negative attitudes toward minority groups, this study compares and contrasts the perceptions and attitudes of older and younger Finns toward Russian-speaking minorities in Finland. A sample of high school students between 16 and 20 years of age represented the younger generation, while individuals over 65 years of age represented the older generation. The total sample was 242. Results indicated that there is a positive correlation between threat perception and prejudice. Results revealed that both groups have prejudices against Russian speakers and that these prejudices are related to the perception of realistic threat and negative stereotypes. The study also found that the older generation had more feelings of threat and prejudice than the younger generation. Implications and future areas of research are discussed.