Sociological Explanation of xenophobia

Xenophobia if considered in the range of dislike against the genetically dissimilar out-group and nepotistic favoritism towards the genetically similar in-group) are analyzed by many sociological researchers. Some see it as an innate biological response on the part of the evolved human organism in inter-group competition. Favoritism towards ones own ethnicity is an evolutionarily based, "objective" value.

However, from a psychological and political science perspective it can be dangerous. Objectivity has to be defined in the light of fairness to all, without infringing upon "others" rights. Therefore, a "universal nationalism", (in which all planetary ethnic-based communities or nations have the right to preserve their own heritage and distinctiveness, without disenfranchising and out-casting the genetically dissimilar and foreign elements) is what humanity needs to project as a distinguished and civilized human behavior.

The four institutional philosophies mentioned above (nationalism, racism, ethnocentrism religionism) are the hallmark of xenophobia. These institutions perpetuate deliberately (and sometimes subconsciously) a flurry of xenophobic ideologies.

It is important, therefore, to flag these flamboyant (but misguided) institutions and describe in depth their origin and background. The glorification of these institutions is unjust since it only creates further enhancement of xenophobia.


Syed shahid MD

Diplomat:

American Boards of Psychiatry and neurology
American Boards of family practice
London institute of Tropical medicine and Hygiene

For comments and questions please write to:

syedshahidmd@yahoo.com.au

Xenophobia

Xenophobia is an intense dislike and/or fear of people from other country, race, ethnicity and religion. It is defined as "a persistent, abnormal, and unwarranted fear of strangers, foreigners, or of people significantly different from oneself".



In a relative term xenophobia has been described as a form of severe” mental illness" for it creates psychosocial problems for its sufferers and the people around. At a national and international level it may be akin to a "mass hysteria". Once in motion the consequences of xenophobia can be far more serious at global level than at individual level.


Syed shahid MD

Diplomat:

American Boards of Psychiatry and neurology
American Boards of family practice
London institute of Tropical medicine and Hygiene

For comments and questions please write to:

syedshahidmd@yahoo.com.au

For xenophobia to be diagnosed accurately, two elements have to be present.

1. The first is a population group present within a society that is not considered part of that society due to their different back ground (different nationality of origin, race, religion etc). Often they are recent immigrants, but xenophobia may be directed against a group which has been present for centuries. This form of xenophobia can elicit or facilitate hostile and violent reactions, such as mass expulsion of immigrants, pogroms (extensive violence against minorities), or in the worst case, genocide.



2. The second form of xenophobia is primarily cultural, and the objects of the phobia are cultural elements which are considered alien. All cultures are subject to xenophobia, but cultural xenophobia is often narrowly directed, for instance at foreign cultures inside or outside the country. It leads to aggression against any foreign element within the country (such as ethnic cleansing in former Yugoslavia) or outside the nation (such as US lead recent unpopular war in Iraq). Such aggression can result in political campaigns (by the leaders) to justify wars against that culture or nation (recent Iraq war mentioned above is a perfect example of such xenophobia).

Xenophobia can be based on various aspects. It means fear and hatred of another race, nationality (excessive patriotic feelings or national self esteem, Jingoism), religion, gender (same or opposite gender), status, culture, ethnicity, political belief and so on.
Generally it applies to people who look different or believe differently than oneself. Therefore, we shall confine ourselves to the four most important elements that contribute to xenophobia. These four elements (Nationalism, Racism, Ethnocentrism and Religionism) are a form of four evil institutions or disciplines that have been plaguing humanity for thousands of years.

Syed shahid MD

Diplomat:

American Boards of Psychiatry and neurology
American Boards of family practice
London institute of Tropical medicine and Hygiene

For comments and questions please write to:

syedshahidmd@yahoo.com.au