Working Paper: NBER ID: w26620
Authors: Alberto F. Alesina; Stefanie Stantcheva
Abstract: This paper provides a simple conceptual framework that captures how different perceptions, attitudes, and biases about immigrants or minorities can shape preferences for redistribution. Through the lens of this framework, we review the empirical literature on the effects of racial diversity and immigration on support for redistribution in the US and Europe.
Keywords: Diversity; Immigration; Redistribution
JEL Codes: H21; H41; J15; P16
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| perceived immigrant reliance on welfare (I38) | support for redistribution (H23) |
| increase in share of immigrants (J11) | decrease in support for redistribution (D39) |
| perception of immigrants as deserving poor (K37) | increase in support for redistribution (H23) |
| misperceptions about immigrants and welfare dependence (I38) | negative feedback loop (D87) |