The implications of intergenerational mobility on immigrants

Abstract

Alongside increased migration to developed parts of the world, a trend of increased anti-immigrant rhetoric and support for right-wing, populist parties has emerged. My paper examines the extent to which intergenerational mobility is behind these negative perceptions through reviewing the literature and theoretical frameworks of the mobility of immigrants, analyzing the differences in mobility between immigrants and their native peers, as well as conducting an empirical analysis which evaluates the extent to which intergenerational mobility rates are associated with voting for right-wing, populist parties in OECD countries. My findings shows that there is a significant correlation between lower rates of intergenerational mobility and voting for parties endorsing anti-immigrant rhetoric. These results can be used in guiding policy discussions regarding the approach to migration, as well as providing understanding in how and why mobility rates differ for the immigrant cohort. Directions for future research extensions are also considered.