Xenophobia and Quality of Life: Evidence From South Africa

Abstract

This study examines the associations between immigrant attitudes and various aspects related to quality of life, such as access to public services, social interactions, and national identity in South Africa. Using South African Social Attitudes Survey waves from 2003 to 2018, I find that citizens who are dissatisfied with the government's performance are still welcoming to some immigrants, suggesting that they are more frustrated with the government's underperformance than an aversion to immigrants. However, I also find that anti-immigrant attitudes appear to be associated with beliefs that immigrants increase crime, take away jobs, and use up the country’ resources. These findings suggest that xenophobia could be a result of negative spillovers from false narratives surrounding immigrants in the country, especially in a climate where competition for economic resources between locals and immigrants can cause tensions under conditions of scarcity.