hide
Free keywords:
-
Abstract:
In many studies of xenophobia, two analytically and empirically independent dimensions are often confounded: in-group preference (particularism) and out-group hostility. While — from a human rights perspective — injuring foreigners is always wrong, the issue of whether there are ’special duties towards compatriots’ draws different justifiable answers ranging from strict negation (in utilitarianism) to clear affirmation (in communitarianism). Data from open ended interviews with 200 15- to 16 year old East- andWest-German students show higher values in particularism yet lower values in hostility towards foreigners for East- than for West-German participants. Political and methodological implications of the findings are discussed.
