Economic Threat Perception Shapes Global Attitudes Toward Immigrants

Introduction

This article investigates the drivers behind attitudes toward immigrants across eleven countries on four continents through a comparative experimental design. Using over 18,000 interviews, it tests two prominent theories: Sociotropic Economic Threat and Labor Market Competition.

Experimental Manipulation

Respondents were exposed to short vignettes varying in three dimensions:

• Occupational Status: Higher vs lower skill level immigrants
• Skin Tone: Effect on preference across different shades
• National Origin: Focus specifically on Muslim-majority countries

Key Findings

The results align most closely with the Sociotropic Economic Threat thesis:

• Skill Preference Dominates: In all countries, higher-skilled immigrants were preferred regardless of native socio-economic status (SES)
• Origin Matters Less Than Thought: While Muslim origin did reduce support, this effect didn't vary significantly based on SES level
• Skin Tone Minimal Impact: There was little to no effect from manipulating skin tone alone

Significance for Political Science Research

These findings demonstrate the continued power of racial animus in shaping immigration attitudes. Most importantly, they reveal a universal preference for skilled immigrants worldwide despite cultural and economic diversity.

What This Means

This research suggests policymakers should focus on:

• Economic Integration: Addressing perceptions of economic threat through effective integration policies
• Managing Stereotypes: Recognizing the consistent pull factors driving immigration attitudes across diverse societies