Sources of Negative Attitudes toward Immigrants: A Multilevel Analysis

Elisa Rustenbach, Pennsylvania State University

In recent times, many nations are experiencing an increase in anti-immigrant attitudes on the part of natives. Most papers only explore one or two sources of anti-immigrant attitudes at a time. This paper tests eight different explanations for anti-immigrant attitudes: cultural marginality theory, human capital theory, political affiliation, societal integration, neighborhood safety, contact theory, foreign investment and economic competition. Analysis is conducted using combined data from the European Social Survey and Eurostat and individual, regional and national level predictors. Results indicate that fear of immigrants or of uncertainty may be one of the main reasons anti-immigrant attitudes arise.