Exploring the ideational explanation for pro-immigrant sentiment: evidence from a South Korean survey

Abstract A consistent finding in the public opinion literature shows that individuals who attain higher levels of education are more likely to express pro-immigrant attitudes. The ideational hypothesis suggests ideas learned during formal drive this empirical relationship. In article, we develop further by asking, "What types socialize attitudes?" We argue exposure social theories promotes inclusivity and tolerance, leading positive views toward immigrants. This article draws theoretical insights from attitudinal-based immigrant sentiment construct a mediation model linking classroom attitudes Using original data population-based survey South Korea, examine relationship between respondents’ prior enrollment different academic courses their measure as science arts & humanities find only positively associated with also whether exhibits indirect effects via previously identified attitudinal determinants sentiment. Results our analysis show is stronger cosmopolitan negatively correlates isolationist contrast, enrollments unrelated theories, like math engineering, not statistically significant predictors interpret results observational evidence ideational-based explanations for