Sports elites, counter‐stereotypical statements, and immigration attitudes

Betina Cutaia Wilkinson, Melissa R. Michelson and Alexis Webster

Social Science Quarterly, 2021, vol. 102, issue 6, 2996-3006

Abstract: Objective Political and social elite rhetoric can have a robust impact on individuals’ policy stances, particularly when recipients of persuasive messages share an in‐group identity with the messenger and when the information is counter‐stereotypical. In this study, we build on Harrison and Michelson's (2017) theory of dissonant identity priming (TDIP) and examine an understudied topic, the effectiveness of National Football League (NFL) elite pro‐immigration statements in shifting individuals’ perspectives on immigration topics. Methods We explore this question using two unique randomized survey experiments, one conducted face‐to‐face with residents of Winston‐Salem, North Carolina, and one using a national Internet‐based sample. Results We find little support for our expectation that counter‐stereotypical messages on immigration and immigrants delivered by NFL elites can be effective in shaping the views of their shared in‐groups (those who are NFL fans or those who share their race). Conclusion While TDIP can explain individuals’ shift in support of same‐sex marriage, we cannot say the same for the effectiveness of sports elites’ statements on immigration and immigrants.

Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://doi.org/10.1111/ssqu.13065

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bla:socsci:v:102:y:2021:i:6:p:2996-3006

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
http://www.blackwell ... bs.asp?ref=0038-4941

Access Statistics for this article

Social Science Quarterly is currently edited by Robert L. Lineberry

More articles in Social Science Quarterly from Southwestern Social Science Association
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Wiley Content Delivery ().