Shared war experiences can boost refugee acceptance, U-M study shows

Using South Korea as an example, researchers also find general war experiences may have opposite effect

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Study: Can a Sense of Shared War Experience Increase Refugee Acceptance? (DOI: 10.1177/00220027241261660)

Highlighting shared wartime experiences can foster greater acceptance of refugees, according to new research from the University of Michigan.

The study found that drawing parallels between historical and contemporary experiences of displacement can increase empathy and reduce hostility, particularly among those with family histories of forced relocation. However, general wartime experiences-without displacement-may have the opposite effect, exacerbating fears and decreasing support for refugees.

The study, led by Ji Yeon Hong, U-M associate professor of political science and Korean studies, focused on South Korea, a country with a recent history of war trauma and limited experience with refugee resettlement. Through an original survey of 2,000 respondents, Hong and colleagues tested how different narratives influence public attitudes toward refugees.

South Korea offers a unique backdrop for the research, Hong says. Despite its transformation into an economic powerhouse, the country remains technically at war with North Korea since the 1953 armistice. Its history of conflict, a relatively monoethnic society and limited experience in accepting refugees create a challenging environment for fostering refugee acceptance.

A significant flashpoint occurred in 2018, when hundreds of Yemenis fleeing civil war arrived on Jeju Island, taking advantage of a visa exemption policy intended to promote tourism. Their arrival ignited polarized protests, with widespread public opposition to refugee resettlement dominating the discourse.

To better understand attitudes toward refugees, the survey explored three types of messaging: shared war experiences, South Korea's underperformance in refugee acceptance compared to other countries, and the economic benefits of accepting refugees. Participants were randomly assigned to read one of these messages and complete a series of perspective-taking exercises.

The study, published in the Journal of Conflict Resolution, found that messages emphasizing parallels between the displacement of Korean families during the war and the struggles of modern refugees were the most effective in fostering positive attitudes. This approach increased pro-refugee sentiment by 6.5 percentage points, outperforming both the economic benefits and underperformance narratives.

The researchers also noted a critical distinction: General war experiences, such as exposure to violence without forced displacement, often decrease acceptance of refugees. This is because such experiences usually heighten feelings of threat, including cultural, economic and security concerns. People with general war experiences may view refugees as out-group members who pose a risk, exacerbating exclusionary attitudes rather than fostering empathy.

In contrast, individuals with family histories of forced displacement during war are more likely to empathize with refugees, as they can directly relate to the challenges of being uprooted and seeking safety. The specific type of experience-whether it involves displacement or not-plays a critical role in shaping attitudes toward refugees. For instance, among individuals with ties to North Korea, pro-refugee attitudes increased by nearly 20 percentage points when exposed to shared experience messaging.

[Link]Ji Yeon (Jean) Hong

"This shows the power of shared narratives," Hong said. "Drawing on historical parallels can create a bridge of understanding, even in contexts where refugee acceptance faces significant resistance."

The study also highlighted the role of reduced perceived threats in driving these shifts. For respondents with displacement histories, empathy-driven messaging lowered concerns about refugees' cultural impact, crime and national security risks.

Though the study focused on South Korea, its findings have broader implications for refugee advocacy worldwide. Countries with histories of displacement, even those with little tradition of accepting refugees, could use shared experience narratives to improve public attitudes.

"This isn't just about South Korea," Hong said. "The dynamics we observed are likely applicable in other countries with similar histories of conflict and displacement."

However, the study cautions that such narratives may be less effective in societies where displacement is a distant memory. In these cases, other strategies, such as emphasizing the economic benefits of refugees, might be more impactful.

With over 35 million refugees globally as of 2022, according to the United Nations, understanding public attitudes is critical for shaping effective policies. The study offers valuable insights for policymakers and advocates aiming to foster more inclusive attitudes toward refugees.

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