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Serving Countries, Shaping Views: Military Conscription and Attitude Towards Immigrants

Author

Listed:
  • De Luca, Giacomo

    (University of Edinburgh)

  • Montalbano, Andrea

    (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano)

  • Stillman, Steven

    (Free University of Bozen/Bolzano)

Abstract

We study the long-term impact of compulsory military service, a powerful nation building tool, on attitudes toward immigrants. Using a regression discontinuity design, we compare cohorts of men required to serve with those exempted due to suspension of compulsory service in 21 European countries. We find that conscripts exhibit more negative attitudes towards immigrants, whereas this is not true for women in the same birth cohorts. The impact is more pronounced in countries with high levels of immigration, and when the military service was done during a left-wing government, and hence provided a stronger change in narrative during a crucial formative period.

Suggested Citation

  • De Luca, Giacomo & Montalbano, Andrea & Stillman, Steven, 2025. "Serving Countries, Shaping Views: Military Conscription and Attitude Towards Immigrants," IZA Discussion Papers 18003, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18003
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification
    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • D71 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Social Choice; Clubs; Committees; Associations

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