Engagement vs. Alienation: Anti-immigrant Rhetoric's Effect on Immigrant Turnout

• In Event: The Media's Role in Marginalization

Abstract

Inequalities in participation are widely documented, especially among marginalised groups. Yet, how do politically hostile contexts, such as those targeting individuals with a migration background, affect their political participation? Given the importance of quality and inclusivity in democratic representation, and recognizing migrants as an increasingly significant demographic, I explore the nuances of their political participation in politically charged environments that frequently single them out. I use registered turnout data from the city of St. Gallen, Switzerland, and leverage two features of the Swiss context: its experience with direct democracy and the presence of the Swiss People's Party, a prominent right-wing party known for its strong opposition to immigration. I focus on how popular votes on immigration, often coupled with anti-immigrant rhetoric, influence the turnout of citizens with a migration background, analyzing both directly targeted communities and alongside other immigrant groups for a comprehensive understanding. The results indicate a trend of political disengagement among targeted groups in response to negative rhetoric, and indicate that as political hostility intensifies, individuals with a migration background are even less likely to participate. Amidst rising hostility in Western Europe towards members of marginalised communities more broadly, this highlights the need for dynamic approaches to understanding and enhancing their engagement in democratic processes.

Author

• Iva Srbinovska, University of Zurich