Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

First Advisor

Edward Bennett

Advisor Role

Thesis Committee Member

Second Advisor

Frederick Binding

Advisor Role

Thesis Committee Member

Third Advisor

P. Franks

Advisor Role

Thesis Committee Member

Abstract

The present study attempted to investigate the relationships between self esteem, perception of Gentiles’ attitudes, and attitudes to the State of Israel, as expressed by a sample of Canadian born Jews.

Four hypotheses were formulated. The first one stated that there existed a negative relationship between perception of Gentiles’s attitudes (GA) and positive attitudes toward Israel (AI). That hypothesis was supported.

The second hypothesis stated that there existed a negative relationship between self esteem (SE) and positive attitudes toward Israel (AI). That hypothesis was also supported.

the third hypothesis stated that when high positive attitudes toward Israel (HPAI) are found, there will also be found low self esteem (LSE) and perception of Gentiles’ negative attitudes (NGA) in the same subject. This hypothesis was not supported.

The fourth hypothesis stated that when low positive attitudes toward Israel (LPAI) are found, there will also be found high self esteem (HSE) and perception of Gentiles’ positive attitudes (PGA) in the same subject. That hypothesis was not supported.

Three main effects were examined. Firstly, it was found that the oldest people had the most favorable attitude toward Israel, while the youngest people had the least favorable attitude towards Israel. Secondly, no significant difference was found between males and females in their attitudes toward Israel. Finally, religious affiliation was found to be an important factor in Jewish attitudes toward Israel. The more orthodox the people are, the more favorable are their attitudes toward Israel.

The findings were discussed in the context of intergroup relations, reactions to prejudice and discrimination, as well as minority-majority relationships.

Implications were drawn for improving the relationship between the Israeli Government and Jewry in Canada. Suggestions were also made for future research.

Convocation Year

1976

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