Benefits over threats associated with host-country nationals’ acculturation preferences: Examining a stereotype content and threat benefit model

Abstract

A survey study in the US (N = 647) tested predictors of host-country nationals’ acculturation preferences regarding whether participants would want immigrants to adopt the mainstream U.S. identity and/or retain their heritage identity. A model was tested positing that perceived competition with immigrants, and the perceived status of immigrants, would predict positive stereotypes held about immigrants in terms of warmth and competence. Positive stereotypes, in turn, were predicted to relate to the extent to which immigrants were seen as posing a threat and/or bringing benefits to the US. Threats and benefits were then posited as predicting the extent to which host-country nationals would want immigrants to adopt a mainstream U.S. identity and/or retain their heritage identity. Although results partially supported our hypotheses, it seems clearer that perceived benefits, rather than threats (which have previously received more attention), appear to predict host-country nationals’ acculturation preferences. The theoretical and applied relevance of these findings is discussed.