This study investigated the manifestation of prejudice and bias against Hindus in contemporary American society, with a specific focus on the interplay between different cultural perceptions of Hindu social systems and political ideologies. This thesis explored the characteristics and motivations of individuals exhibiting high left-wing authoritarian and high right-wing authoritarian tendencies and the relationship of unfamiliarity, uncertainty, and the formation of prejudices and stereotypes toward Hindus. A survey of 847 American adults and 452 psychology undergraduates explored beliefs and perceptions about Hindu social systems, specifically the British-imposed caste system versus the traditional Hindu varna and jati system. Participants were randomly assigned to read one of two essays with the two different framings of Hindu social systems to evaluate their reactions and hostility towards specific caste groups. The results revealed significant framing effects in the sample of American adults but not among psychology undergraduates. Participants exposed to the caste essay perceived higher levels of casteism, agreed more with anti-Brahmin rhetoric, and endorsed more severe punitive measures than those who read the varna/jati essay. Left-wing authoritarianism was a significant predictor of perceived casteism and punitive attitudes.
Danit Sarash Finkelstein (2026) studied this question.