Understanding public attitudes towards refugees and migrants

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Abstract

This paper is intended as a primer on the drivers influencing public attitudes towards refugees and migrants, and what they mean for organisations working on refugee and migration issues. This paper canvasses this large literature base to draw out commonalities and highlight potential entry points. Findings show that engaging effectively with public attitudes towards refugees and migrants requires understanding the real world concerns, emotions and values around which attitudes are formed. These efforts work best when clearly rooted in national and local contexts, and the nuances of public attitudes within them. Traditional approaches to public engagement, such as ‘myth-busting’, may have exacerbated negativity and are unlikely to resonate beyond those who are already supportive. While evidence remains important in influencing policy debates, strategies must acknowledge its limitations as a persuasive tool. Emotive and value-driven arguments may have more traction than facts and evidence. Successful strategies might highlight the manageability of the situation, while emphasising shared values.

Citation

Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

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About this study

AGE: Multiple Age Groups

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: Inconclusive or mixed impact

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Free

HOST COUNTRY: Multiple countries

HOST COUNTRY INCOME: Both

INTERVENTION DURATION: Varies

INTERVENTION: Various

OUTCOME AREA: Inclusive Communities

REGION OF ORIGIN OF PARTICIPANT(S): Multiple Regions

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Suggestive

TYPE OF STUDY: Literature review

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2017

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