Why do majority members prefer immigrants who adopt the host culture? The role of perceived identification with the host nation

Being Forced (or Free) to Adopt the Host Culture: The Influence of Mandatory Integration Programs on Majority Members’ Evaluation of Immigrants

“…In other words, our results are compatible with the interpretation that adopting the host culture voluntarily led majority members to perceive the immigrant as being more identified with the host nation, which, in turn, led them to perceive him as deserving to be granted rights. These results are consistent with and extend previous research showing the influence of perceived acculturation practices on perceived host nation identification and the effect of this perceived identification on majority members' attitudes towards immigrants (Anier et al, 2018;Roblain et al, 2016). We observed that the direct effect ceased to be significant once the mediator was introduced in the model in Study 1, while it only decreased and remained significant in Study 2.…”

“…The experimental manipulation was operated through the response given to this man by the second speaker. Inspired by Roblain et al (2016), the second individual (Mehmet, a Turkish name) provided information about his good mastery of French as well as about his adoption of the customs of the host country. To manipulate the reason for cultural adoption, Mehmet added to the discussion that he did it either voluntarily ('I decided by myself to attend French classes, and learn French history and culture') or because he was forced by a mandatory program ('I attended French classes and learned French history and culture because I was forced to do it by the mandatory integration program').…”

“…So far, little is known regarding the nature of mental states inferred by majority members when they perceive immigrants adopting the host culture. Roblain et al (2016) contended that, given that national identity is closely associated with national culture (Kymlicka, 2001;Reijerse et al, 2013), perception of immigrants adopting the national culture should facilitate perception of their identification with this nation. On the contrary, failing to adopt the host culture should be interpreted as a failure, or a refusal, to identify with the host nation.…”

“…In line with Roblain et al (2016), we used seven items adapted from the identification scale (Self-Investment component) of Leach et al (2008) (e.g. 'Mehmet feels attached to the French society'; 'Mehmet feels loyal toward the French society').…”

“…Although civic integration policies vary widely between countries in terms of both label and form (Bauböck & Joppke, 2010), these integration programs cover a similar content: the obligation for immigrants to acquire the language of the host society and to gain a detailed understanding of its political institutions, history, and culture (Joppke, 2017). In line with these integration policies, research has shown that national majority members favor immigrants who adopt the host culture (Matera, Stefanile, & Brown, 2012;Roblain, Azzi, & Licata, 2016). However, the effect of making host culture adoption mandatory on perception of immigrants by host nationals has never been investigated.…”