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Discrimination and assimilation: Evidence from anti-Chinese sentiments in the United States

Author

Listed:
  • Lanzara, Gianandrea
  • Lazzaroni, Sara
  • Masella, Paolo
  • Squicciarini, Mara P.

Abstract

This paper studies the interactions between members of a discriminated minority, members of the majority group, and political leaders. We construct a novel dataset of all tweets posted by “White American” and Chinese users located in the United States from January to August 2020. Using a variety of supervised and unsupervised text-analysis techniques, we show that anti-Chinese discrimination on Twitter significantly increased following (i) the COVID-19 outbreak, and (ii) Donald Trump’s tweet referring to COVID-19 as the “Chinese virus." We then study the reaction of the Chinese minority and find that, after Trump’s tweet, Chinese users were significantly more likely to (i) tweet assimilation-related content, and (ii) tweet criticism against the Chinese Communist Party. The rise in assimilation-related content is generally stronger for users who were more integrated before the shock.

Suggested Citation

  • Lanzara, Gianandrea & Lazzaroni, Sara & Masella, Paolo & Squicciarini, Mara P., 2025. "Discrimination and assimilation: Evidence from anti-Chinese sentiments in the United States," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 249(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pubeco:v:249:y:2025:i:c:s0047272725001483
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2025.105450
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    JEL classification:

    • D14 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Saving; Personal Finance
    • Z10 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - General

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