Scandinavian Working Papers in Economics

Ratio Working Papers,
The Ratio Institute

No 138: Immigrants’ Attitudes towards Redistribution: Implications for the Welfare State

Andreas Bergh () and Günther Fink ()
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Andreas Bergh: Ratio & Lund University, Postal: The Ratio Institute, Box 3203 , 103 64 STOCKHOLM, Sweden
Günther Fink: 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.

Keywords: Immigration; redistribution; welfare state; attitudes

JEL-codes: H23; J61

21 pages, June 15, 2009

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