Presents results about xenophobia and xenophilia in Germany in critical times
Offers a typology and a selection of typical biographical-reconstructive case studies
Exhibits biographical and statistical paths to xenophobia and xenophilia
Uses multivariate analyses with psychometric assessments and a triangulatory design
This book documents the current polarization in Germany regarding the issue of refugee immigration. It presents quantitative estimates for both xenophobia and xenophilia in the German population, including short-time changes. The book suggests a conceptual change of perspectives. It focuses not only on the pathogenic model that accounts for outcomes such as xenophobia, Islamophobia and other forms of (inter-religious) prejudice, but on a salutogenic model. In the book's view, the salutogenic model entails xenosophia: the wisdom, creativity and inspiration that emerges from the encounter with the strange and the strange religion. The book addresses individual dispositions, which may lead to xenophobia or xenosophia, and takes into account predictors such as religiosity, religious schemata, value preferences, tolerance of complexity, and violence legitimizing norms of masculinity. A selection of case studies present typical biographical trajectories toward xenosophia.
"This book shows that there is much insight to be gained for those who do. ? Through their comprehensive study on xenosophia, ? Streib and his team may give us pause and perhaps may even show us pathways that lead toward a more vibrant and welcoming culture." (Wade C. Rowatt, The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, Vol. 29 (3), 2019)
