The Dual Position of Established Outsiders: How Ethnic Identification and Discrimination Shape Welfare Chauvinism among Ethnic Minority Groups

Abstract

Research on welfare chauvinism often assumes a homogeneity of attitudes towards welfare state inclusiveness within both majority and minority populations, overlooking that certain minority subgroups may also oppose extending welfare benefits to other migrants. Using a probability sample of Belgians of Moroccan or Turkish descent (from Liège and Antwerp), this study tests to what extent traditional explanations – self‐interest and values – apply to established migrants similarly to how they do to the native population. In addition, we test two group‐specific explanations – ethnic identification and perceived discrimination – that stem from their dual position within society. Our results show that identification with the ethnic community decreases welfare chauvinistic attitudes. However, the effect of perceived discrimination varies depending on the domain in which it is experienced: Discrimination in daily life tends to reduce welfare chauvinism, while perceived discrimination by government agencies and in the labor market is not related.