Which term describes the societal fear or prejudice experienced by individuals from different cultural backgrounds?

Xenophobia accurately describes the societal fear or prejudice directed at individuals from different cultural backgrounds. This term typically refers to negative attitudes, feelings, and behaviors towards those perceived as foreigners or outsiders. The roots of xenophobia can be traced back to a combination of fear of the unknown, economic competition, and cultural differences, leading to discrimination and hostility against people from other countries or cultures.

In contrast, anti-Semitism specifically focuses on prejudice against Jewish people, thus addressing a particular community rather than the broader interactions between various cultures. Racism generally addresses prejudice based on race or ethnicity, while heterophobia refers to a fear or prejudice against heterosexual individuals, which also does not encompass the broader societal context described in the question. Thus, xenophobia is the most encompassing term that accurately captures the essence of societal fear or prejudice related to diverse cultural backgrounds.