How Do They Stereotype Us? An Analysis of the Perceived Stereotypes of Chinese in Spain and Its Impact on Intergroup Relations

Abstract

As the largest Asian immigrant group in Spain, the Chinese community has emerged as an essential part of the nation's social fabric. Despite the flourishing research on stereotypes about the Chinese in Spanish society, the actual perceived stereotypes of the latter and their influence on intergroup relations have not been adequately addressed. This paper provides insights from the perspective of Chinese in Spain, utilising 258 questionnaires to collect and analyse the common and representative stereotypes perceived by this diaspora. Through quantitative analysis, the paper evaluates the impact of these perceived stereotypes on the Chinese community's favorability towards Spaniards, their contact experiences, and their willingness to forge closer intergroup ties. The research uncovers a diverse spectrum of stereotypes perceived by the Chinese in Spain, which are organised into five distinct dimensions. The study finds that positive stereotype perceptions significantly enhance the Chinese community's favorability towards Spaniards, improve intergroup contact experiences, and intensify their aspiration to establish intimate relationships. However, when it comes to negative perceived stereotypes, the Chinese community demonstrates a notable level of understanding and tolerance, which only negatively impacts their intergroup contact experiences with Spaniards. This finding reveales the complexity of the perceived stereotypes by Chinese in Spain and their role in dynamic intergroup relationships, providing insights for further understanding this ethnic group and promoting their social integration.