Ethnic conflict: Social distance and trait attribution perspectives within four Southeast Asian ethnic groups in the United States
Author(s):
Lee, Sai Quon
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
Ph.D.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : California School of Professional Psychology - Fresno, 1999.
Pages:
67
Language:
English
Abstract:
This study explored the social distance and trait attribution and the relationship between social distance and trait attribution in persons of four Southeast Asian ethnic groups. The research was conducted in the context of Southeast Asians having a long history of ethnic conflicts that extends from racist attitudes to ethnic genocide. One hundred Cambodians, 102 Hmongs, 102 Laotians, and 101 Vietnamese in the United States were administered a modified Bogardus Social Distance Scale with respect to seven different ethnic groups (the other three Southeast Asian groups, African Americans, Hispanics, and Whites), and rated these other groups on 10 traits: (a) friendly and likeable, (b) in good health, (c) unattractive, (d) law abiding, (e) hardworking, (f) loyal, (g) peaceful, (h) unfair and dishonest, (i) unintelligent, and (j) have good morals. Measurements and attitudes toward one's own group were not assessed. Participants expressed willingness to have the closest social distance with Whites and Laotians. Whites and Laotians tended to be rated most favorably on the 10 traits. The traits that correlated most highly with social distance were friendly and likeable, hardworking, loyal, peaceful, and having good morals. Theoretical and practical implications were suggested.