Are We Thinking About the Same Thing? A Comparative Study of Social Representations of Protection Between Migrants and Non-Migrants in 11 Countries

With globalization, the physical borders between nations and people have faded. The world has become more interconnected, and consequently, societies have become more plural. However, reports on immigrants’ experiences in host countries indicate that integration is marked by several challenges. Moreover, the literature mirrors the differences experienced by distinct social groups in the reality lived, perceptions of (in)security, and the protection (access, levels, types) available to them. In addition, group membership influences the interpretation of reality held by individuals, which can be analysed from the perspective of social representations. These consist of common-sense meanings with affective elements informed by knowledge, experiences, beliefs, values, and emotions, and are deeply related to social identity and sociocultural contexts. Adopting the Central Core Theory of Social Representations, this study compares the social representations of protection and their corresponding emotional dynamics among migrants and non-migrants in 11 countries. Data will be collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Social representations of protection will be assessed using the free evocation technique, and the data will be analysed using the EVOC and IRAMUTEQ software. We expect to find different social representations of protection among migrants and non-migrants. Policymakers can include the shared meanings of protection in the design of more inclusive protective policies that better address the protective needs of minorities, specifically migrants, support them, and contribute to their societal integration.