Understanding the Relationship Between Immigration and Community Attitudes
A recent study conducted by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has revealed that there is “no evidence” of a direct link between negative attitudes towards immigration and pressure on local services in communities. Instead, broader economic and social policies, along with factors such as disadvantage and segregation, play a significant role in shaping social cohesion and attitudes towards immigration.
The research, which focuses on community-level attitudes towards immigration, highlights the importance of social contact with migrants in fostering more positive attitudes. According to the ESRI, while some communities may perceive immigration more negatively than others, positive interactions with migrants can significantly improve attitudes and enhance social cohesion.
One of the key findings of the study is that the impact of attitudes towards immigration may not stem from direct local experiences but rather from concerns about pressure on services across Ireland as a whole. This insight has important implications for policies aimed at improving migrant integration and promoting inclusive communities.
Methodology and Key Findings
The study was based on a representative survey of adults in Ireland conducted in April 2023. The data was matched with Census 2022 information and additional community-specific data. This approach allowed researchers to explore how various factors influence attitudes towards immigration.
An earlier report by the ESRI identified education, financial strain, and optimism about the future as factors related to attitudes towards immigration. The current study investigated whether people living in areas with greater pressure on services—such as health, housing, and education—held more negative views towards immigration.
Using indicators like the number of GPs per household, housing affordability, high rents, and house prices, the study found no evidence of a link between service pressure and negative attitudes towards immigration. Additionally, the share of migrants in a community was not associated with attitudes towards immigration in Ireland overall.
However, the research did find that people living in more disadvantaged communities tended to have more negative attitudes towards immigration. This was particularly true in communities where there had been an increase in migrants since 2011.
Regional Differences and Migrant Presence
Living in a rural area was associated with more negative attitudes towards immigration compared to urban areas. However, this difference disappeared in rural areas with a high percentage of migrants. In such cases, attitudes towards immigration were “very similar” to those in urban areas.
This finding suggests that social contact with migrants plays a crucial role in shaping positive attitudes. The ESRI emphasized that interaction with migrants can help reduce prejudice and foster a more inclusive environment.
Interestingly, the study also found that attitudes towards immigration were not related to the proportion of Ukrainian refugees in people’s local areas. However, it noted a surprising link between the presence of asylum seekers in a community and more positive attitudes towards immigration. This effect was observed even though only a small number of respondents reported having asylum seekers in their local area.
Implications for Policy and Future Research
The findings of the ESRI study have significant implications for policymakers and community leaders. They highlight the need for strategies that promote social integration, encourage positive interactions between locals and migrants, and address broader socio-economic challenges that contribute to negative attitudes.
Future research could explore how these dynamics vary across different regions and demographics. By understanding the complex interplay between economic conditions, social policies, and community attitudes, policymakers can develop more effective approaches to support both migrants and host communities.
