Economic conditions and perceptions of immigrants as an economic threat in Europe: Temporal dynamics and mediating processes

This article addresses the extent to which economic downturns influence perception of immigrants as an threat and through channels this occurs. Our primary objective is investigation specific mechanisms that connect conditions a threat. We therefore also contribute theoretical discussions based on group realistic conflict theory by exposing dominant source competition relevant these relationships. Furthermore, we investigate whether people react more sensitive short-term dynamics within countries than long-term circumstances. database comprises all waves European Social Survey from 2002 2017. The macro-economic indicators use include GDP per capita, unemployment, national debt levels, covering most salient dimensions. furthermore control for country’s migration situation aggregate party positions toward cultural diversity. results show dynamic developments economy are greater relevance perceived immigrant situation. In contrast, political climate appears be important changes in positions. Further mediation analyses anti-immigrant attitudes primarily individual perceptions performance unemployment rates importance.