revised version published as 'Changes in Attitudes toward Immigrants in Europe: Before and After the Fall of the Berlin Wall', in: Gil S. Epstein, Ira N. Gang (eds.), Migration and Culture, Emerald, 2010, 649-676
This paper provides a statistical analysis of the determinants of attitudes towards foreigners
displayed by Europeans sampled in Eurobarometer surveys in 1988 and 1997. Europeans
who compete with immigrants in the labor market have more negative attitudes towards
foreigners. In addition, an increased concentration of immigrants in local neighborhoods
increases the likelihood of negative attitudes. Racial prejudice exerts a strong influence on
anti-foreigner sentiment. The generally rising trend towards greater racial prejudice, and the
decline in the strength of educational attainment in reducing negative attitudes towards
foreigners, contribute to the increasing anti-foreigner attitudes between 1988 and 1997.
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