Addressing anti-Gypsyism with context-dependent psychological tools: Research review, meta-analysis and secondary analysis of prejudice against the Roma

Abstract

Anti-Gypsyism is a deeply entrenched form of ethnic bias in Europe, characterised by realistic conflict perceptions, social norms approving bias, unacknowledged historical victimisation, and denial of cultural autonomy. Mainstream prejudice reduction interventions may have limited applicability to anti-Gypsyism, because prejudice is normative, hence people are not motivated to change their views; interventions focusing on increased liking, but not competence perception consolidate status differences; stereotypes are resistant to change because of the overlap with low SES stereotypes and assimilation of counter-stereotypical members. With the help of a meta-analysis with 169 effect sizes from 18 countries in 14 languages we showed that contact frequency was indeed only associated with affective (liking), but not cognitive and behavioural prejudice. However, we found the expected negative association between positive contact and prejudice. Eurobarometer data also showed the salience of counter-normative experiences, as friendships had a stronger impact in countries with higher overall means of anti-Gypsyism.