Happier without immigrants?
A data analysis from OECD countries in 2015–2016 reveals that there is no significant correlation between immigration numbers and local happiness level.
“If the country speaks of immigration in politics as a problem, as it does in my country, it must be very hard to find love for the place you live in” (Sarahmaria Fuglsang Hansen, Denmark).
Along with other Scandinavian countries, Denmark stands on top of the happiest countries in the world. However, it is also famous for its anti-immigration stance. But is there a dependency between the happiness of locals and the number of immigrants? Is it possible that their anti-immigration views are dictated not by xenophobia, but rather an economic concern?
Numbers, numbers…
https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/4647876/
Plot 1.
A close look at the OECD immigration inflow data revealed a slight increase from 2015 to 2016 among almost all countries. This especially concerns the USA (see Plot 1). Nevertheless, Germany has performed a tremendous jump over just one year, but it’s happiness level has decreased. Most of the European OECD members have left relatively unchanged. Denmark, Italy and Australia have decreased their inflows (Plot 2).
The happiness value also increased among the countries (except ASEAN region). Northern Europe received the most dramatic rise together with Northern Atlantic. Western Europe did not undergo such an increase. Southern European countries have their happiness level risen, too.(Plot 3).
Note: the division of the countries by regions is arbitrary for the convenience of grouping.
Correlation or causation?
A broader timeframe could have helped to prove the probability of the indirect relationship between immigration and happiness. The current Pearson’s test result demonstrates a weak correlation of -0.012.
For a majority of countries, such as the USA, there was an increase in immigration accompanied by a decrease in happiness level. However in some cases, such as France, there was a rise in happiness.
The initial happiness dataset counts local population together with immigrants. It makes it impossible to focus only on the local population, but on the population as a whole. The used migration dataset does not distinguish between the economic immigrants and refugees, what disrupts the validity of findings.
However, with the current data the relationship might be explored in multiple directions: how local happiness affects immigrants, and how immigrants make the country happier, too.
Depends on the context
The most important conclusion from the data analysis is that the correlation between the immigration inflow and happiness level is case-sensitive.
For instance, the happiness concept differs by country and individual. “…a general attitude that you shouldn’t complain about selfish or small things, that I believe is very common in Denmark” (Lasse Lui Frandsen, Denmark); “Germany is punching heavy-weight class in the discipline “complaining & being worried”(Max Fuhlendorf, Germany).
The correlation might be also impeded by the dominant profile of the immigrants that a country receives. If refugees prevail over the economic immigrants, the local attitude (and immigrants’ well-being) might differ. The center-periphery distinction could also affect welcoming of immigrants and a self-reported happiness of locals.
Place under the sun
“It may be hard for immigrants if the culture is very different from their own and they feel out of place. If they feel connected and understood, they can hopefully enjoy a very happy life” (Amelia van der Laan de Vries, Australia).
Positive attitude of native-born towards immigrants surprisingly mattered more for their integration than the local legal policies. However, this social support is to be earned by the contribution to the host state.
“If they are here to avoid conflicts from home, feel safe and willing to contribute to the society its fine they have my respect and support, but if they are here to get money and take advantage of the Danish safety, then it’s not fair” (Lise Hovmann Rasmussen, Denmark).
In the pursuit of happiness
The country’s high income does not necessarily correspond to happiness, but the immigrants moving to richer countries than their own tend to become happier than before. The local economic inequality could affect their happiness too.
Moreover, the monoethnic demographic profile of the country, closedness of the culture and country’s own migrant heritage could determine immigrants’ successful integration in the society.
Migrants tend to experience a vast rise of happiness in the first 5 years, if the receiving country is richer and happier than the sending one. The “moving for happiness” trend when people pursue better life abroad (with considerations of climate and distance) is gaining popularity.
Scapegoating
“Immigrants are blamed to be criminals, or blamed for the elevated youth unemployment rate”(Darko Monzio Compagnoni, Italy).
Interestingly, the interviewees from less wealthy countries tend to mention economical struggles as the core obstacle for happiness, while the respondents from richer countries have been underlining social anxiety and stress. Immigrants could be associated with both types of problems.
“The media we receive about immigration sends mixed images” (Pablo Gonzalez, Spain). The abstract negative image of immigrants that abuse the welfare system could be engrained in the minds of many.
Fresh air
Most of the interviewees agree that immigrants positively affect the country’s happiness level, predominantly in terms of cultural exchange.
The economic benefits of immigration have been highlighted as well.
“There is a clear lack of productivity in the British economy, and an ageing population. More immigration could help to address both of those issues” (Anonymous, the UK).
Nevertheless, immigrants tend to report lower happiness level than locals, that could be attributed to the lack of social capital at a new place.
“The happy part of the country seems to be reserved for the nationals/natives and immigrants have to settle for their own niche . The country has to be “happy” for both natives and migrants, not depending on what people are trading off to migrate,” concludes Inês Barros Matos, Portugal.