Changes of ethnic stereotypes in Lithuania in the past decade: empirical study of students

Abstract

Presented in this article are the shifts of stereotypical notions on the characteristics of various nations (Lithuanians, Germans, Russians, etc.) in the past decade. The stereotypes formed in the consciousness of Lithuanian students on Lithuanians and foreigners were studied in 2003, 2008 and 2015. A change in national stereotypisation was to be expected during this period due to the changes in political climate and international relations. Results of this study confirm this: the negative stereotype index of Russians has noticeably increased, while the positive index has decreased; stereotypes about the Jewish, having taken into account shifts in positive and negative stereotypes, have been consistently improving during the past decade; etc. The study has also revealed the changes in Lithuanian auto-stereotypes: the self-image of the nation has not improved and the signs of lower social activity have become more pronounced.