The past as a determinant of the present: Historical continuity, collective angst, and opposition to immigration

• Published in: European journal of social psychology Vol. 42; no. 4; pp. 442 - 450
• Main Authors: Jetten, Jolanda, Wohl, Michael J. A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01.06.2012; Wiley; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Cultural identification; Cultural identity; England; Ethnic groups; Fear; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Group Identity; Identification; Identity; Immigration; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; Social interactions. Communication. Group processes; Social perception; Social psychology; England; United Kingdom; Great Britain; Europe; United Kingdom > UK; Human; Immigrant; Social group; Immigration; Social belonging; History; Social identity

We propose that the perceived continuity between a group's past and present can be a psychological resource that provides confidence in the group's future vitality, thereby reducing the need to preserve identity. In two studies, English participants were told that there was continuity or d...