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Cultural Fallout? Immigration's Effect on Individualism

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  • Claudia Williamson Kramer
  • Daniel Sánchez‐Piñol Yulee

Abstract

Does immigration reshape cultural values, particularly, individualism–collectivism? Immigrants bring diverse cultural values that may either reinforce or challenge individualistic norms, potentially altering a host country's economic performance and social cohesion. We test this using a measure of individualism from the Integrated Values Survey and immigrant stocks and net inflows from 1995 to 2015. Employing panel data models, cross‐sectional regressions, and Mahalanobis matching, we find that immigration significantly increases country average individualism by 0.31–1.02 standard deviations, with consistent effects for developing country immigrants. These results support contact theory and cultural transmission mechanisms. Overall, our findings suggest immigration correlates with individualistic attitudes linked to economic growth and social progress, challenging concerns about cultural fallout.

Suggested Citation

  • Claudia Williamson Kramer & Daniel Sánchez‐Piñol Yulee, 2026. "Cultural Fallout? Immigration's Effect on Individualism," Southern Economic Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 93(1), pages 402-422, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:soecon:v:93:y:2026:i:1:p:402-422
    DOI: 10.1002/soej.70008
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