Markers Of Difference: The Impact Of Visible Foreign Characteristics On Prejudice In The Icelandic Labor Market

Abstract

Research on immigration has emphasized the importance of an individual's physical differences from the host population as a common precursor to discrimination. The purpose of this research is to examine and measure the experiences of individuals of foreign origin regarding prejudice in the Icelandic labor market. Using a quantitative study, we explore how individuals perceive prejudice based on their visible foreign characteristics in a relatively homogenous labor market. Our results indicate that individuals of foreign origin encounter prejudice in proportion to their "foreign" physical characteristics, such as hair, eyes, or facial shape. We conclude by emphasizing the need for more research on how otherness in physical characteristics induces prejudice.