Attitudes in times of crisis: An analysis of individual determinants towards immigration in the Czech Republic

Abstract

This paper empirically assesses public attitudes towards immigration amid a simultaneity of political and economic crises, offering critical insights into the effects of economic determinants on perceived cultural and economic threats posed by immigration in the Czech Republic. The importance of cultural determinants of attitudes towards immigration gained prominence in the context of growing nationalism and ethnic conflicts. Conversely, some argue that material vulnerabilities remain central to understanding anti‐Immigration sentiments, especially in times of economic crises. This paper challenges separating economic and cultural concerns, highlighting how economic vulnerabilities shape cultural perceptions. The study utilises unique data, delving beyond conventional measures that explore economic determinants and looking into more granular measures of economic vulnerability. Our findings suggest that economic drivers remain pivotal in shaping attitudes towards migration. In addition, we show that the effects of economic drivers can also manifest as cultural concerns.