The Political Effects of Immigration: Culture or Economics?

Marco Tabellini and Alberto Alesina

No 15486, CEPR Discussion Papers from C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers

Abstract: We review the growing literature on the political economy of immigration. First, we discuss the effects of immigration on a wide range of political and social outcomes. The existing evidence suggests that immigrants often, but not always, trigger backlash, increasing support for anti-immigrant parties and lowering preferences for redistribution and diversity among natives. Next, we unpack the channels behind the political effects of immigration. While completely separating economic from non-economic forces is impossible, we conclude that the latter are more important than the former. In examining the mechanisms, we highlight mediating factors -- such as (mis-)perceptions, the media, and the conditions under which inter-group contact occurs -- that can influence natives' reactions in different directions. Throughout the review, we outline promising avenues for future research.

JEL-codes: D72 J11 J15 J61 Z1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020-11
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cdm, nep-ltv, nep-mig and nep-pol
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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Related works:
Journal Article: The Political Effects of Immigration: Culture or Economics? (2024)
Working Paper: The Political Effects of Immigration: Culture or Economics? (2022)
Working Paper: The Political Effects of Immigration: Culture or Economics? (2021)
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