Proximity to Refugee Centres Softens Attitudes, Lowers Anti-Immigration Party Support in Netherlands

Recent research led by economist Sigrid Suetens reveals that living near refugee centres can foster more positive attitudes towards asylum seekers and decrease support for anti-immigration parties. This study, focusing on Dutch neighborhoods from 2011 to 2016, underscores the importance of direct contact between local residents and refugees in shaping public opinion on immigration and ethnic diversity.

Understanding Local Exposure's Impact

The research targeted neighborhoods without refugee centres before 2014, comparing those that later hosted asylum seekers with those that did not. Findings suggest that the presence of refugees significantly influences local residents' views on ethnic diversity and political preferences, challenging prior assumptions that improved employment opportunities or increased trust in government might explain these attitudes. This change in perception is attributed to the direct contact between residents and refugees, emphasizing the role of personal interaction in overcoming prejudices.

Quantifying Changes in Attitudes and Voting Behavior

Data analysis revealed that respondents living close to a reception centre exhibited more positive responses to diversity and asylum policies than those living further away. Moreover, the duration of asylum seekers' residence in a neighborhood and the size of the refugee population were critical factors. The study highlighted a notable decrease in the likelihood of voting for anti-immigration parties by 4.6 percentage points among residents living near refugees, without significantly affecting overall voter turnout. This suggests that the presence of refugees can reshape political landscapes by influencing local electoral preferences.

Policy Implications and Future Directions

The findings of Suetens and her team offer valuable insights for policymakers and politicians, especially in light of the refugee crisis in 2015-2016. The study advocates for small-scale reception centres and active engagement with local communities to promote positive interactions between residents and asylum seekers. By fostering an environment of understanding and acceptance, policymakers can mitigate negative perceptions of refugees and encourage a more inclusive society.

This research, offering a nuanced view of how proximity to refugees can shift attitudes and voting behaviors, calls for a reevaluation of current strategies for asylum seeker accommodation. It highlights the potential for positive community contact to bridge divides and challenge stereotypes, paving the way for more harmonious coexistence between local residents and newcomers.