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Attitudes towards immigrants in European contexts. Social origins or generational influence?

Author

Listed:
  • Leo Azzollini
  • Daniela Bellani
  • Giulia Rivellini

Abstract

How do inter- and intra-generational perspectives influence attitudes towards immigrants? Demographic studies have uncovered the roles played by parental (inter) socio-economic background and by birth cohort (intra) in shaping prejudicial or tolerant attitudes towards immigrants, but these roles have not been examined together. In this study, we do so using data from the European Social Survey, rounds 1–10 (2002–2020). In particular, we rely on the question “Is [the country] made a worse or a better place to live by people coming to live here from other countries?” to examine the influence of parental socio-economic background (class and education) on respondents’ attitudes towards migrants. Moreover, we study whether this influence varies by birth cohort. Results of linear regression models including country-year fixed effects indicate that while individuals born in recent cohorts are more pro-immigrant, the influence of parental socio-economic background has amplified in these same birth cohorts.

Suggested Citation

  • Leo Azzollini & Daniela Bellani & Giulia Rivellini, 2025. "Attitudes towards immigrants in European contexts. Social origins or generational influence?," Vienna Yearbook of Population Research, Vienna Institute of Demography (VID) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna, vol. 23(1), pages 449-471.
    • Handle: RePEc:vid:yearbk:v:23:y:2025:i:1:oid:0x004055ed
    DOI: 10.1553/p-eehm-k8gc
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alexis Grigorieff & Christopher Roth & Diego Ubfal, 2020. "Does Information Change Attitudes Toward Immigrants?," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 57(3), pages 1117-1143, June.
    2. Michaela Šedovič, 2023. "Do Attitudes Towards Immigrants Matter? The Subjective Wellbeing of Immigrants in England and Wales and Their Exposure to Non-migrants," European Journal of Population, Springer;European Association for Population Studies, vol. 39(1), pages 1-27, December.
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