Attitudes toward demographic diversity in 16 advanced economies: Perceptions of conflict matters more than income

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of several factors that potentially contribute to attitudes toward demographic (i.e., racial, ethnic and religious) diversity in 16 advanced economies, using data from a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2021 (N = 16,254). Specifically, the study aimed to examine 12 potential covariates of anti-diversity attitudes, using Bayesian multilevel modelling. The results showed that the variables with the strongest positive association with anti-diversity attitudes were perceived domestic conflict (perception of greater conflict between different groups in one's country), being older and dissatisfaction with the way democracy works in one's country. The strongest negative covariates of anti-diversity attitudes were higher levels of education and perceiving discrimination as a problem. Household income was not associated with diversity attitudes, whereas being female was associated with more pro-diversity attitudes. The model was tested separately in Australia, and the results were generally consistent with the findings from the multinational sample. Perceived domestic conflict emerged as the strongest covariate of unfavourable diversity attitudes both in the overall sample and in Australia.