Ann Arbor Times

New research from the University of Michigan suggests that highlighting shared wartime experiences can increase acceptance of refugees. The study found that drawing parallels between historical and contemporary experiences of displacement boosts empathy and reduces hostility, especially among those with family histories of forced relocation. Conversely, general wartime experiences without displacement may worsen fears and decrease support for refugees.

The research was led by Ji Yeon Hong, an associate professor at U-M specializing in political science and Korean studies. It focused on South Korea, a nation with a history of war trauma but limited experience with refugee resettlement. An original survey conducted by Hong and her colleagues involved 2,000 respondents to test how different narratives affect public attitudes toward refugees.

Hong explained that South Korea offers a unique setting for this research. Despite its economic development, the country remains technically at war with North Korea since the 1953 armistice. Its conflict history, relatively monoethnic society, and limited refugee acceptance create challenges in fostering acceptance.

In 2018, a significant event occurred when hundreds of Yemenis fleeing civil war arrived on Jeju Island under a visa exemption policy meant to boost tourism. Their arrival sparked polarized protests and widespread opposition to refugee resettlement.

To understand attitudes better, the survey examined three messaging types: shared war experiences, South Korea’s underperformance in accepting refugees compared to other countries, and the economic benefits of accepting refugees. Participants were randomly assigned one message and completed perspective-taking exercises.

Published in the Journal of Conflict Resolution, the study found that messages emphasizing parallels between Korean families' displacement during war and modern refugees' struggles were most effective in fostering positive attitudes. This approach increased pro-refugee sentiment by 6.5 percentage points compared to other narratives.

Researchers noted a crucial distinction: General war experiences often decrease refugee acceptance because they heighten feelings of threat concerning cultural, economic, and security issues. Those with such experiences may view refugees as outsiders posing risks rather than empathizing with them.

Conversely, individuals with family histories of forced displacement are more likely to empathize due to their direct understanding of being uprooted and seeking safety. The type of experience—whether involving displacement or not—significantly influences attitudes toward refugees. For example, among people connected to North Korea, pro-refugee attitudes rose nearly 20 percentage points when exposed to shared experience messaging.

“This shows the power of shared narratives,” Hong stated. “Drawing on historical parallels can create a bridge of understanding even where refugee acceptance faces significant resistance.”

The study also emphasized reduced perceived threats as driving these attitude shifts. Respondents with displacement histories reported decreased concerns about cultural impact, crime rates, and national security risks associated with refugees.

Though focused on South Korea, these findings have broader implications for global refugee advocacy efforts. Countries with histories of displacement could use shared experience narratives to improve public attitudes toward refugees.

“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 might be less effective where displacement is distant memory; other strategies like emphasizing economic benefits might be more impactful there.

With over 35 million global refugees as reported by the United Nations in 2022, understanding public attitudes is vital for shaping effective policies towards inclusivity regarding refugees.