Research by the Institute of Education, University of London, suggests young white people are less well disposed towards immigrants when minority ethnic groups are doing well.
The findings are based on the relationship between tolerance and classroom ethnic diversity among 14-year-olds in England, Germany and Sweden.
Classroom Diversity and its Relation to Tolerance, Trust and Participation in England, Sweden and Germany found that the greater the "civic competence" of ethnic minority children — the knowledge and skills that citizens need to participate effectively in a democratic society — the less tolerant their white classmates appear to be.
"As soon as minorities assert themselves and become as competent as the majority, the latter may well become defensive and intolerant," said Dr Jan Germen Janmaat, who conducted the research.
"It seems that the ethnic minorities are only accepted by majority pupils if they stay in a subordinate position. This may be down to competitive anxieties; ethnic groups may not be perceived as a threat when they are struggling to succeed, but as they increase their status and become more adept at finding their way in society this seems to change."
Figures used in the study showed a negative relationship between the tolerance levels of white British students and the average civic competence of ethnic minority students. A 50 per cent increase in competence was matched by a 20 per cent drop in tolerance.
The findings of the study are based on a large-scale survey conducted in April 1999.
Janmaat said the findings may be even more relevant in today’s climate of scarcity and tougher competition for jobs. "If even in times of great optimism and economic growth such as the late 1990s we see the phenomenon of ‘competitive anxiety’, it is likely to be even stronger in times of scarcity."
Overall, Sweden had the highest tolerance levels and Germany the lowest of the three countries.
However, England — where the minority ethnic population is bigger and longer established — was the only one of the three countries where classroom diversity had no effect on tolerance; in Germany and Sweden it boosted tolerance.
