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The Role of Information Provision for Attitudes Towards Immigration: An Experimental Investigation

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  • Patrick Bareinz
  • Silke Uebelmesser

Abstract

We conduct a survey experiment on the effect of information provision on attitudes towards immigration in Germany. The focus lies on two theory-based economic channels, labor market and welfare state concerns, and immigration policy preferences. Using probability-based representative survey data, we experimentally vary the quantity and the type of information provided to respondents. We find that a bundle of information on both the share and the unemployment rate of foreigners robustly decreases welfare state concerns about immigration. There are slightly less pronounced effects on the labor market and policy channels. Further data-driven analyses reveal heterogeneity in treatment effects. Our findings therefore suggest that careful composition and targeting of information interventions can increase their effectiveness in the public debate on immigration.

Suggested Citation

  • Patrick Bareinz & Silke Uebelmesser, 2020. "The Role of Information Provision for Attitudes Towards Immigration: An Experimental Investigation," CESifo Working Paper Series 8635, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_8635
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    15. Bernd Hayo & Florian Neumeier, 2023. "Between fearmongers and Samaritans: Does information provision affect attitudes towards the right of asylum in Germany?," Kyklos, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 76(4), pages 749-777, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Cantner, Fabienne & Rolvering, Geske, 2022. "Does information help to overcome public resistance to carbon prices? Evidence from an information provision experiment," Passauer Diskussionspapiere, Volkswirtschaftliche Reihe V-91-22, University of Passau, Faculty of Business and Economics.
    2. Fabienne Cantner & Geske Rolvering, 2022. "Does information help to overcome public resistance to carbon prices? Evidence from an information provision experiment," Working Papers 219, Bavarian Graduate Program in Economics (BGPE).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    immigration attitudes; survey experiment; information provision; belief updating; welfare state; labor market; machine learning;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination

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