ABSTRACT

Abstract

Xenophobia has become increasingly worrisome since 1989 till date as the world becomes more globalized and international migration increased; with number of affected nations and casualties on the increase. This study examines the contributory roles of right-wing extremism, intolerance of ambiguity and ethnocentrism to propensity for xenophobic behaviour among South African undergraduates. Descriptive research design of survey type was adopted. Non-proportional stratified and simple random sampling techniques were utilized to select 600 undergraduates across levels/colleges and faculties in selected South Africa universities. Four standardized self-report questionnaires were used for data collection. Two hypotheses were raised and tested using multiple regression and t-test statistics. Findings revealed among others that the three predictor variables (right-wing extremism, intolerance of ambiguity and ethnocentrism) when combined, predicted the criterion variable (Xenophobia). The findings also showed that intolerance of ambiguity is the most potent predictor of xenophobic behaviour, followed by ethnocentrism, with right-wing extremism as the least predictor. Consequently, the paper recommended among others, that South Africa government should create space for cultural exchange programs in the universities to enhance mutual understanding among university community members and encourage diversity education.