Economic Insecurity and the Rise of Anti-Immigrant Sentiments: The Role of Labor Market Risks and Welfare Deservingness Perception

Abstract

Globalization and technological advancements pose a threat of job loss for native-born citizens, potentially leading to blaming immigrants for economic hardship. This sentiment hinges on the perception that foreign-born residents are not contributing to the host society, often combined with discourse portraying immigrants as competitors regarding welfare benefits. Nevertheless, we have limited knowledge about how labor market risk to job loss is related to anti-immigrant sentiments in tandem with their assessment of the welfare state, such as the deservingness of beneficiaries. Drawing on the European Social Survey, this study examines the relationship between labor market risks, deservingness perception, and anti-immigrant attitudes. First, the extent to which individuals are exposed to job-displacing transformations is negatively associated with a perception of immigrants’ contribution to the host society. Second, in contrast, the perception that welfare recipients are deserving is positively associated with an attitude toward immigrant contribution. Third, the association between the labor market risks and the devaluation of immigrants’ contributions is stronger among individuals who emphasize the deservingness of beneficiaries. We argue that economic insecurity combined with frustration with the fairness of the social welfare system can drive anti-immigrant attitudes.