Conformity and counter‐conformity to anti‐discrimination norms: the moderating effect of attitude toward foreigners and perceived in‐group threat

Abstract Two studies examined the influence of an anti‐discrimination norm on Swiss nationals' discrimination against foreigners as a function of initial attitude (pro‐foreigner vs. anti‐foreigner) and in‐group threat (i.e., whether or not foreigners are perceived as taking nationals' jobs). Results showed that anti‐foreigners decreased their level of discrimination (i.e., a conformity effect) when threat was low, but did not change (Study 1) or increased discrimination (i.e., a counter‐conformity effect) when threat was high (Study 2). No significant effects were observed for pro‐foreigners. It is argued that conformity to anti‐discrimination norms increases as the individual–norm discrepancy increases, insofar as the social context provides legitimacy to this norm (i.e., low in‐group threat conditions).