Abstract
ABSTRACTTesting propositions from ethnic competition theory, we examine contextual and individual determinants of support for restrictive immigration policies in 26 European Union member states between 2002 and 2013, a period characterized by enduring economic downturn. We hypothesize that natives in vulnerable economic positions, similar to many migrants, are more restrictive toward immigration, because they perceive more economic strain and more ethnic threat. We expect that natives are more restrictive in times of economic decline – when national unemployment rates and debts increase – especially those who hold similar economic positions as many migrants. We enriched European Social Survey data (2002–2013, containing more than 210,000 respondents) with cross-national data on the economic situation. We indeed find that support for immigration restrictiveness is higher among natives in more vulnerable socio-economic positions. They perceive more economic strain, which is directly related to restrictiveness. But economic strain also increases perceptions of ethnic threat, which is strongly related to restrictiveness. We do, however, not find strong empirical evidence that economic decline more strongly affects support for restrictive immigration policies among vulnerable economic groups. Stronger changes in national debts induce more restrictiveness among the full population, but especially among those who perceive more economic strain and more ethnic threat.
Highlights
Introduction and research questionsThe global financial-economic crisis that started in 2008 has affected national economies and individual households throughout the European Union (EU)
Using individual-level data from the European Social Survey (ESS), enriched with country level data from Eurostat covering the long period from 2002 to 2013, we examine to what extent recent changes in economic conditions affect natives’ support for restrictive immigration policies, that is, individuals and collectivities loudly sharing their views that immigration should be put on hold
Member states of the EU substantially differ in the degree of public support for restrictive immigration policies
Summary
Introduction and research questionsThe global financial-economic crisis that started in 2008 has affected national economies and individual households throughout the European Union (EU). Using individual-level data from the European Social Survey (ESS), enriched with country level data from Eurostat covering the long period from 2002 to 2013, we examine to what extent recent changes in economic conditions affect natives’ support for restrictive immigration policies, that is, individuals and collectivities loudly sharing their views that immigration should be put on hold. These data provide possibilities to test hypotheses rigorously regarding the impact of severe changes in economic conditions on immigration restrictiveness among vulnerable natives from many EU member states. The data cover a longer period of time than previous contributions examined
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