European Attitudes Towards Immigrants

Abstract

Abstract This chapter is concerned to examine the attitude of the EU native population towards immigration together with their self-reported racist feelings, and the relationship of these attitudes to unemployment, the scale of immigration and welfare take-up. We shall discuss later attitudes and sentiments towards migrants and foreigners which vary quite widely across countries. They may arise from racial antipathy or may be associated with economic fears about conditions in the labour market, the costs of generosity to migrants of the welfare state, and in particular an individual’s own economic perspective. They may also be related to the success and degree of assimilation of foreigners in society and the labour market. Since success in the destination is affected by personal characteristics, it is also important how migrants are selected into the host country.