Universalism, conservation and attitudes toward minority groups

•The study considers attitudes toward diverse minority groups.•It shows that negative attitudes toward minority groups are an expression of one syndrome, called group-focused enmity (GFE).•The study examines the associations of the values universalism and conservation with attitudes toward minority groups.•It shows that the associations of attitudes toward minority groups with the two values are opposite but similar in size.

Findings from previous studies corroborate the hypothesis that universalism and conservation values are associated with negative attitudes toward immigration. In the current study we examine whether universalism and conservation values also play a critical role in the explanation of attitudes toward other minority groups. Drawing on previous research on group-focused enmity, we explore its relations with universalism and conservation values in a German sample. Employing structural equation modeling, we find that individuals who prioritize universalism values approve of various minorities more whereas those who prioritize conservation values exhibit more disapproval.