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Information Shocks, Attitudes toward Immigrants, and Hate Crime

Author

Listed:
  • Bradley, Jake

    (University of Nottingham)

  • Albornoz, Facundo

    (University of Nottingham)

  • Sonderegger, Silvia

    (University of Nottingham)

  • Rodriguez,Jesus

    (University of Nottingham)

  • Rustagi, Devesh

    (University of Warwick)

Abstract

There are concerns over the rise in populism and hate crimes targeting minorities in democracies. We examine whether national information shocks triggered by political events play a role. Focusing on two UK events that revealed nationwide anti-immigrant sentiment, we document counterintuitive results: large persistent surges in hate crimes in the post-event periods in areas with pro-immigrant, rather than anti-immigrant, attitudes. We show that the xenophobic minority residing in pro-immigrant areas experience stronger belief shocks from these events, inducing them to update their beliefs about social acceptability of hate. Our findings highlight how heterogeneous priors interact with national events to amplify xenophobic behavior

Suggested Citation

  • Bradley, Jake & Albornoz, Facundo & Sonderegger, Silvia & Rodriguez,Jesus & Rustagi, Devesh, 2026. "Information Shocks, Attitudes toward Immigrants, and Hate Crime," The Warwick Economics Research Paper Series (TWERPS) 1611, University of Warwick, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:wrk:warwec:1611
    as

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    File URL: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/economics/research/workingpapers/2026/twerp_1611-rustagi.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • D80 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - General
    • P0 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - General

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