How does immigration affect anti-immigrant sentiment, and who is affected most? A longitudinal analysis of the UK and Japan cases

Abstract Does increasing immigration affect natives’ attitudes towards immigrants? A significant volume of research has been conducted in Western contexts to explore this question. However, we know little about whether findings observed societies translate non-Western contexts. At the same time, there is a paucity into exerts differential-effects among different groups individuals. Using Japanese and British longitudinal data, study firstly compares contrasts how immigrant-share an environment affects anti-immigrant sentiment Japan Great Britain. Secondly, it explores two potential drivers heterogeneity impact across individuals: (a) perceived financial situation, (b) views role government should play issues support for vulnerable. Applying fixed-effects panel data modelling, results show harms immigrants. Furthermore, these negative effects are stronger those who perceive their situation worse, lean further left on government. Interestingly, highly similar UK. Thus, mechanisms group-threat theory operating natives distinct