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Publications
  • March 2024
  • Article
  • Journal of Economic Literature

The Political Effects of Immigration: Culture or Economics?

By: Alberto Alesina and Marco Tabellini
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:42
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Abstract

We review the growing literature on the political economy of immigration. First, we discuss the effects of immigration on a wide range of political and social outcomes. The existing evidence suggests that immigrants often, but not always, trigger backlash, increasing support for anti-immigrant parties and lowering preferences for redistribution and diversity among natives. Next, we unpack the channels behind the political effects of immigration, distinguishing between economic and non-economic forces. In examining the mechanisms, we highlight important mediating factors, such as misperceptions, the media, and the conditions under which inter-group contact occurs. We also outline promising avenues for future research.

Keywords

Political Backlash; Cultural Beliefs; Immigration; Political Elections; Outcome or Result; Social Issues; Perception

Citation

Alesina, Alberto, and Marco Tabellini. "The Political Effects of Immigration: Culture or Economics?" Journal of Economic Literature 62, no. 1 (March 2024): 5–46.
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About The Author

Marco E. Tabellini

Business, Government and the International Economy
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More from the Authors
  • Extractive Taxation and the French Revolution By: Tommaso Giommoni, Gabriel Loumeau and Marco Tabellini
  • South Africa: Growth and Inequality By: Marco Tabellini, Marlous van Waijenburg and Maisie Wiltshire-Gordon
  • Population Aging in the U.S.: Is America Ready for the 'Silver Tsunami?' By: Marco Tabellini
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