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Immigrants’ Attitudes towards Redistribution: Implications for the Welfare State

Author

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  • Bergh, Andreas

    (Ratio & Lund University)

  • Fink, Günther

    (Harvard School of Public Health)

Abstract

Using data from the World Value Survey we examine first and second generation immigrants’ attitudes towards income inequality and redistribution. We find that first generation immigrants are on average less favorable to redistribution compared to non-immigrants. This effect is particularly pronounced in the Nordic welfare states, while in residual welfare states immigrants have stronger preferences for more government involvement, but not necessarily towards more redistribution. We find only marginal differences for second generation immigrants, suggesting a rather rapid adaptation of local norms and political preferences.

Suggested Citation

  • Bergh, Andreas & Fink, Günther, 2009. "Immigrants’ Attitudes towards Redistribution: Implications for the Welfare State," Ratio Working Papers 138, The Ratio Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:ratioi:0138
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Immigration; redistribution; welfare state; attitudes;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers

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