Threat Perception and Collective Action Against Syrian Asylum-seekers

SUMMARY

This section examines realistic and symbolic threat perceptions toward Syrians living in Turkey, as well as the potential for collective action, based on participants' different characteristics. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sabahat Çiğdem Bağcı and Duygu Yurt from Sabancı University present the conceptual background of the topic.

• Realistic threat perceptions (Syrian refugees pose a threat to the Turkish economy. / Turks are treated less fairly compared to Syrian refugees.)
• Symbolic threat perceptions (Turkey’s cultural identity and existing values are under threat due to the increasing number of Syrian refugees. / I feel anger when I think of Syrian refugees. / I feel fear when I think of Syrian refugees.)
• Potential for counteraction toward Syrian refugees (I would participate in a petition campaign to limit the number of Syrian refugees coming to Turkey. / I would support anti-Syrian refugee movements on social media.)

Throughout all segments of society Syrians are seen as a cultural and economic threat. As lifestyles become more conservative, realistic threat perceptions decrease. Among groups separated by political preferences, the cluster with the highest threat perceptions is CHP voters. Those who encounter Syrian refugees the most in daily life are also those with the highest threat perceptions. One of the clusters feeling the most anger toward Syrian refugees is the young people. The two political clusters that express feeling no anger are AK Party and DEM Party voters. Regarding supporting anti-Syrian refugee movements on social media, Turkish society is at an undecided point.