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Hacking Anti-Immigration Attitudes and Stereotypes: A Field Experiment in Italian High Schools

Author

Listed:
  • Sara Giunti
  • Andrea Guariso
  • Mariapia Mendola
  • Irene Solmone

Abstract

Global demographic shifts have increased population diversity in advanced economies, often leading to anti-immigrant attitudes and discrimination fueled by prejudice and stereotypes. In this paper, we study a short educational program for high-school students aimed at promoting cultural diversity and improving attitudes toward immigration through active learning. To identify the impact of the program, we designed a randomized controlled trial involving 4,500 students from 252 classes across 40 schools in northern Italy. The program led to more positive attitudes and behaviors toward immigrants, especially in more mixed classes. In terms of mechanisms, the intervention reduced students' misperception and changed their perceived norms toward immigration, while it had no impact on implicit bias, empathy, or social contacts. Our findings suggest that anti-immigrant attitudes are primarily driven by sociotropic concerns rather than individual inter-group experience, and that educational programs fostering critical thinking and group discussion in an issue-salient context can correct them.

Suggested Citation

  • Sara Giunti & Andrea Guariso & Mariapia Mendola & Irene Solmone, 2024. "Hacking Anti-Immigration Attitudes and Stereotypes: A Field Experiment in Italian High Schools," Development Working Papers 499, Centro Studi Luca d'Agliano, University of Milano.
  • Handle: RePEc:csl:devewp:499
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Ethnic Stereotypes; Social Inclusion Policy; Impact Evaluation; Immigration attitudes;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • 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
    • F68 - International Economics - - Economic Impacts of Globalization - - - Policy
    • H53 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Welfare Programs

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