Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: There is a growing body of research investigating the determinants and effects of the policy manifestations of nativist attitudes in the American political environment, i.e. immigration policy, English-only laws, border security, etc. As of yet, however, there has been little quantitative research investigating the determinants of the more general attitude of “nativism”, i.e. the opinion that the United States needs to be protected from foreign influence, broadly speaking. This study will outline a theoretical concept of nativism and how it might differ from attitudes regarding its policy manifestations. Using a multivariate analysis of public opinion survey data, this study will then analyze and discuss the determinants of nativist attitudes in the American public. I will also discuss implications for the current political debate over the degree and effect of foreign influence in American culture.