DP17294 The effect of exposure to ethnic minorities on ethnic preferences

• Pascal Achard Sabina Albrecht Riccardo Ghidoni Elena Cettolin Sigrid Suetens
10 May 2022

We investigate the effect of exposure to ethnic minorities on the majority’s preferences with regard to that group using individual-level panel data from the Netherlands. The data combine ethnic preferences with administrative data on refugee facilities. The study period
is marked by a sudden inflow of refugees in some neighborhoods. We find that individuals living close to refugee facilities developed a more positive attitude toward ethnic minorities and became less inclined to support anti-immigration parties. Preferences of individuals
living farther away remained unchanged. An investigation of channels suggests that the local effect is due to contact between residents and refugees.