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Disentangling anti-refugee sentiment: An empirical investigation of the Rohingya crisis

Author

Listed:
  • Higuchi, Yuki
  • Higashida, Keisaku
  • Hossain, Mohammad Mosharraf
  • Takahashi, Ryo

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of refugee influx on host communities’ sentiment, focusing on the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh. Using data from an incentivized lab-in-the-field experiment and an original survey, we disentangle anti-refugee sentiment into hate, fear, and general survey-based measures. Our findings reveal that mere proximity to a refugee camp intensifies hate without affecting fear or survey-based measures, while experiencing direct damages exacerbates all three dimensions. Conversely, contact with refugees improves survey-based attitudes by enhancing perceptions of communication and interaction. These findings highlight the differential effects of exposure, damage, and contact on anti-refugee sentiment, offering insights for targeted policy interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Higuchi, Yuki & Higashida, Keisaku & Hossain, Mohammad Mosharraf & Takahashi, Ryo, 2025. "Disentangling anti-refugee sentiment: An empirical investigation of the Rohingya crisis," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 252(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:252:y:2025:i:c:s0165176525001788
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2025.112341
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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