Integration Policies and Public Perceptions of Immigrants in Europe

Abstract

National mechanisms of migrant integration into the host society and the wider social context in which migration occurs may affect the construction of public attitudes towards migrants regardless of their origin or status. By combining the data of two international studies: the Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) and the European Social Survey (ESS), this paper examines national policies regarding migrant integration and the public perception of migrants in the host society in selected European countries. This analysis highlights especially the shifts in public attitudes as possible consequences of the 2015/2016 European “migration crisis”. The data from 27 European countries that participated in the last waves of both MIPEX2020 and ESS2018 were analysed according to the four-dimensional MIPEX categorisation: 1) Comprehensive integration, 2) Equality on paper, 3) Temporary integration, and 4) Immigration without integration (Integration denied). These categories of states’ migration policies were then combined with the public perceptions of immigrants examined by the ESS. Multilevel regression models demonstrated that the respondents from countries with well-developed integration policies express a more positive attitude towards immigrants and acknowledge their contribution to all areas of the host society. A higher proportion of non-EU-27 immigrants in the country correlates with a more negative perception of immigrants’ impact on the host country. Even though the MIPEX score does not reflect clearly the shift in migration policies affected by the European “migration crisis”, it could be considered a stable, though relatively weak predictor of anti-immigrant prejudice. In conclusion, this study's findings suggest that better-developed policies of political participation and immigrant inclusion foster more positive attitudes towards immigrants.

A near-mint view toward integration: Are adolescents more inclusive than adults?

“…In line with the competition theory (Quillian, 1995; Semyonov et al, 2006), ethnic majority individuals tend to perceive members of the minority group as a threat to the economic and political systems, especially when they are highly present in a social context with high rates of unemployment (Hjerm, 2009; Markaki & Longhi, 2013). Consequently, these perceptions could also promote less favorable attitudes toward their integration within society, endorsing policies that limit the rights and opportunities granted to the ethnic minority (Gregurović, 2021).…”

“…A question may arise: Are adolescents more or less inclusive than their elders? In this regard, some pieces of evidence suggested that young people are generally more tolerant than adults (Dalton, 2015; Milkman, 2017) and perceive individuals with a migrant background more as strengths rather than threats to their countries (Gregurović, 2021). Conversely, other findings suggested that prejudice against ethnic minorities has increased compared to the past, stating that the new generations are less tolerant than the previous ones, especially toward foreign and immigrant workers (Hjerm, 2009; Janmaat & Keating, 2019; Keating & Janmaat, 2020).…”

“…Moreover, the development of these policies not only facilitates the integration of people with a migrant background but also appears to influence individuals' attitudes. That is, individuals from the general population who live in countries with well-developed integration policies tend to report more positive attitudes toward people with a migrant background than those who live in countries where integration policies are less-developed (Gregurovic , 2021). Therefore, country-level approaches to integration appear to be intertwined with individual inclusive attitudes.…”