Perceived Anti-Semitism and Minority Subcommunity Size

Publication Date: January 1995

Publisher: Jewish Communal Service Association of North America

Author(s): Israel Kim

Research Area: Culture and religion; Social conditions

Keywords: Tolerance; Antisemitism; Political Behavior

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

This study tests the impact of Jewish community size on Jewish community self-image, as reflected by attitudes about anti-Semitism. Specifically, we study the perceptions of Jews about how "stranger-others" in their community see them. Several competing explanations are offered and tested. Data from the 1971 and 1990 National Jewish Population Surveys indicate that community size did not influence perceived rates of anti-Semitism in the Jewish communities in the United States, suggesting that anti-Semitism may be a national rather than locally oriented issue.