Researcher from Latvia to helm extensive exploration into public sentiments towards Ukrainian asylum seekers

Researcher from Latvia to helm extensive exploration into public sentiments towards Ukrainian asylum seekers

Inta Mieriņa, a renowned Latvian scientist, has been awarded Europe's most prestigious research grant - the European Research Council's (ERC) Consolidator Grant. Her groundbreaking research aims to understand the complex historical and emotional factors that shape Latvian society's differing attitudes towards Ukrainian refugees compared to immigrants from African and Asian countries.

Mieriņa's research delves into these differences by examining Latvia’s historical experiences, collective memory, national identity, and emotional responses that influence public perceptions and social acceptance.

Key Deeper Reasons

1. Historical and Geopolitical Context: Latvia and Ukraine share a geographical vicinity and intertwined history, fostering a sense of shared historical struggle. This common background often generates empathy towards Ukrainian refugees, who are perceived as culturally and politically closer to Latvians.
2. Ethnic and Cultural Proximity: Ukrainians are often viewed as part of the broader Eastern European cultural and linguistic sphere. This proximity reduces perceived social and cultural distance in the eyes of many Latvians, facilitating more welcoming attitudes.
3. National Identity and Historical Experiences: Latvian identity is strongly influenced by memories of Soviet repression and a desire to protect sovereignty and cultural heritage. As Ukrainians are seen as fighting similar fights for freedom and self-determination, there is a sympathetic alignment based on shared values and historical narratives.
4. Emotional and Symbolic Factors: The emotional resonance of current events, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, triggers solidarity rooted in experiences of trauma and resistance. This solidarity contrasts with less emotional connection and more uncertainty or stereotypes directed toward immigrants from Africa and Asia.
5. Socio-political Discourses and Media Representation: Public discourse and media often frame Ukrainian refugees within narratives of victimhood and heroism, enhancing public empathy. In contrast, immigrants from Africa and Asia might be subjected to different stereotypes and less favorable portrayals, influencing societal attitudes.
6. Legacy of Post-Colonial and Migration Discourses: Latvia’s relatively limited exposure to non-European immigration and its post-Soviet nation-building processes may lead to more cautious or skeptical views of African and Asian immigrants, who are sometimes seen as "others" outside established social narratives.

Mieriņa's research will also investigate how Latvian society's attitudes towards immigration have changed, particularly in response to the war in Ukraine. The project will involve an interdisciplinary study, including research into historical experiences and collective trauma.

Gundars Bērziņš, Rector of the University of Latvia, agrees with the importance of the research. He believes that achieving a balance between security, understanding, and cooperation is what makes a country successful, and this balance is what Mieriņa's research seeks to explore.

Mieriņa's research aims to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about Eastern Europeans' attitudes towards immigration and increase scientific excellence. The findings are expected to enhance our understanding of society and its processes.

In conclusion, Mieriņa’s research emphasizes how collective memory, identity formation, and emotionally charged historical experiences play a crucial role in shaping the differential societal attitudes in Latvia towards various immigrant groups. These responses are not simply about contemporary politics or economics but deeply embedded in Latvia’s historical and emotional landscape.

1. Mieriņa's award-winning research focuses on EU societies, delving into the diverse attitudes towards Ukrainian refugees, immigrants from African and Asian countries, and the underlying factors that differentiate these views.
2. Social media and entertainment platforms might influence public opinion and shape the way EU societies perceive and accept immigrants from different regions, as they have the power to disseminate narratives about these groups.
3. Crime and justice systems, both in Latvia and other EU countries, could potentially impact attitudes towards immigrants, particularly if there are discrepancies in the handling of crimes involving immigrants from various regions.
4. Science, health-and-wellness, and fitness-and-exercise can wonderfully contribute to the general well-being of immigrants, creating a positive environment that encourages their integration into the host society.
5. Mental health issues might arise when immigrants are faced with cultural differences, prejudice, and discrimination, making it essential for EU societies to promote mental health awareness and support systems.
6. Politicians and policy makers have a significant role in shaping societal attitudes towards immigrants, as their actions and decision-making processes can influence the perceptions and consequences of migration within EU societies.

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