Are More Highly Educated Individuals More Antisemitic? Findings Based on a New Approach to Measuring Antisemitism Using Double Standards

Abstract

Abstract:Empirical research on antisemitism typically measures antisemitism based on self-reported surveys. This approach, however, is limited by the possibility of social desirability bias. That is, respondents who are more sophisticated may be more likely to detect the purpose of the measure and adjust their answers, giving socially desirable responses that fail to reveal their antisemitism. To address this measurement issue, we developed a new way to measure antisemitism based on identifying instances in which a double standard has been applied and measuring its magnitude. We then use the new approach to examine antisemitic attitudes in a nationally representative survey of over 1,800 American adults. Our study found evidence contrary to the conventional wisdom that antisemitism is less prevalent among highly educated individuals. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of our new measurement approach and our results, which indicate higher levels of antisemitic attitudes among individuals with more education.