Advancing the Knowledge of Spaniards’ Attitudes Towards Immigration

Abstract

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This study has a crucial aim: helping Spanish authorities address negative attitudes towards immigrants more effectively. It seeks answers to two vital questions based on previous research: (1) What factors consistently influence people’s views on migration over time? (2) How do different groups vary in their attitudes? To find these answers, the study explores how attitudes towards migration evolved in Spain from 2015 to 2017. Using advanced methods, including machine learning, it identifies key factors affecting attitudes in diverse groups, such as Multicultural and NonMulticultural, and observes how these factors change over time. Despite an overall positive trend towards embracing diversity, the study uncovers lingering ambivalence, aversive racism, and subtle prejudice, highlighting the complex factors contributing to resistance against immigration. Notably, an individual’s self-perception, optimism, and professional attributes emerge as crucial factors correlated with heightened tolerance. In conclusion, this study offers nuanced insights into the multifaceted nature of attitudes towards migration, providing valuable perspectives for crafting informed and effective policy measures.