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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

vigilantism, sacrificial behavior, healthcare reform, immigration

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Political Science

Abstract

In 2004, immigration issues surged to the center of national attention and 10% of Americans rated immigration as the number one issue facing America1. Since 2004, the economic downturn and healthcare reform have increased the discussion of immigration and its economic impact on average Americans and the economy as a whole. Hypotheses for opposition to immigration have included economic2, political, racial, and psychological cues3. None however, have focused on the effects of fear or hopelessness on a population’s mobilization against an outgroup. In addition to the lack of experimental research on the causes of opposition to illegal immigration, no experiment in political science has ever attempted to manipulate hopelessness and measure its effects on a subject. This research not only provided new information in the discussion of the effects of fear and hopelessness, but also began the process of ethically measuring the effects of fearlessness in an experimental environment.

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