Attitudes towards immigrants in European Societies. A comparison between the Perceived Group Threats Theory and the Intercultural Values Theory through a multi-level analysis

The emergence of prejudice and attitudes towards immigrants more generally is not only a domestic issue but is now entering the field of international relations. The way immigrants are received, integrated into and regarded in host countries and societies has also become an object of discussion within the UN Security Council. UN Member States recognize complications in these questions as root causes of terrorism and other problems arising in the field of international security. This report investigates attitudes towards immigrants by comparing the Perceived Group Threats Theory with the Intercultural Values Theory. It will first introduce the theories developed in the scientific debate and then summarize the findings of a multilevel analysis carried out on the data pertaining to the European countries most affected by the economic crisis.