The main premise of this study is that institutional social distance against the illegal
foreign migrant workers would hinder to social integration. In this study, a model of the
relationships between authoritarianism, contact experience and institutional social distance
mediated by prejudice is explored and estimated, based upon previous researches. Using
survey data containing responses to hypothetical vignettes, these relationships are
examined with a sample of 1,162 on-line university students who are in pursuit of
human service career. Consistent with authoritarian personality theory, structural stigma
theory and contact theory, authoritarianism negatively affects institutional social distance
mediated by prejudice, which seemingly cause respondents to withhold help whereas
contact experience gives a positive impact on institutional social distance directly and
indirectly.
Viewed by the above result, this study addresses that educational and field-based
program which promotes contact experience with ethnic minority groups, such as illegal
foreign migrant workers would be significantly necessary in Korean society.
Finally, the implication of this study and the suggestions for future research are
furthered to be discussed.