Support for racial equality in Malaysia, a multi-racial country.

What is it about?

'Autochthony' is a concept about native ownership and its associated rights and privileges. Across two studies, we looked at how this influence Malays' (racial majority) support for racial equality in Malaysia. We also explored how threat from racial minorities and socioeconomic status play a role in these relationships, as well as Malays' support for a pro-Malay government.

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Photo by Benjamin Sow on Unsplash

Photo by Benjamin Sow on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Both studies find that Malays who has stronger beliefs in autochthony were associated with greater perceived threat from racial minorities and greater support for a pro-Malay government. We also found mixed results in both studies about the relationship between socioeconomic status and Malays' support for racial equality. Regardless, these findings shed some light on how the ideology of autochthony could help understand intergroup relations and to address issues in a multi-racial country.