Threat perception, contact and social distance :|factors that affect public opinion on Syrians in Turkey

Abstract

This thesis examines the factors that affect opinion on Syrians. Relying on the literature, perceived threat is offered as the main explanatory variable, alongside contact with Syrians and social distance. A secondary analysis is conducted with KONDA Research & Consultancy’s public opinion data. The results indicate that both perceived threat and social distance (proximity) are significant predictors of opinion. As perceived threat increases, support for rights decreases. However, as people tend to include Syrians in their social lives, they are more likely to support for rights for the Syrians. Moreover, employment status, political party preference, monthly household income are also significant predictors of support for rights for the Syrians, as well as perceived threat. Social distance, gender and refugee intensity in a city, are other predictors of perceived threat. Contact, on the other hand, is not a significant predictor in any of the models.