Does Urban Political Participation Shapes Attitudes Towards Immigrants: Evidence from Berlin, Barcelona, and Paris

In the ever-evolving urban landscapes of major cities, this research seeks to unravel the relationship between urban political participation and attitudes toward immigrants. Two central research questions guide my exploration: To what extent does urban political engagement influence residents' attitudes toward immigrants, and how do various dimensions of identity, both urban and national, shape these attitudes? Through a survey of 1500 participants in Berlin, Barcelona and Paris, test the interaction between these variables. Notably, it highlights the coexistence of national identities with various alternative identities, reflecting the diversity that thrives within urban settings. Intriguingly, the findings suggest that residents who embrace these alternative identities tend to exhibit more favorable attitudes towards immigrants, in contrast to those strongly anchored to a national identity, who often express less favorable views. Furthermore, we observe that active involvement in local politics amplifies these existing tendencies, underscoring the potential of alternative identities to counterbalance the influence of a strong national identity. In conclusion, our research contributes fresh insights to the puzzle of urban political participation versus national identity and its impact on attitudes towards immigrants. These findings enrich our comprehension of contemporary urban settings and the evolving dynamics of identity and politics within them.