Check out this article on Exposure to Anti-Refugee Hate Crimes and Support for Refugees in Germany by Eroll Kuhn and Rahsaan Maxwell. This research investigates whether exposure to local anti-refugee hate crimes affects public attitudes towards refugees in Germany.
The study uses a regression discontinuity design, linking survey data with geo-referenced hate crime events across German municipalities. By analysing responses from over 16,000 individuals, the authors aimed to uncover whether living in a municipality where anti-refugee hate crimes occurred influences general attitudes towards refugees or the willingness to help them.
Surprisingly, the study found no direct relationship between exposure to hate crimes and support for refugees. Whether people were interviewed before or after a hate crime event had no significant impact on their general attitudes towards refugees or their plans to help them. However, the study did reveal an increase in anxiety about crime among those exposed to anti-refugee hate crimes, particularly assaults. This suggests that while these crimes heighten concerns about crime, they do not lead to a clear shift in attitudes towards refugees.
These findings highlight that support for refugees may be deeply entrenched, unaffected by short-term exposure to violence. This contrasts with previous research suggesting that hate crimes could either strengthen solidarity with refugees or fuel further hostility. The results suggest that debates about refugee policy in Europe may remain static, with little room for persuasion or change. Future research should explore whether similar patterns emerge in other contexts or target groups and investigate how localised violence might interact with broader national political narratives.
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