Dear colleagues,

The Department of Economics cordially invites you to the WU Economics Research Seminar on Wednesday, April 30^th, with

Fanny Valli

(University of Konstanz)

on

"How Anti-Immigration Votes Impact Cultural Assimilation"

Abstract: Immigration remains a contentious issue worldwide, often sparking debates about cultural integration and social cohesion. This study investigates how anti-immigration policies influence the cultural assimilation of immigrant populations, focusing on the 2014 Swiss popular initiative “Against Mass Immigration.” Approved by 50.3% of voters, the initiative symbolized public hostility toward immigration and imposed employment restrictions favoring Swiss residents. Using birth registry data and machine learning techniques, we analyze naming patterns as indicators of cultural assimilation. A difference-in-differences design compares naming trends in immigrant and native families before and after the initiative, isolating the effects of the increased perceived discrimination. Complementary measures, including intermarriage rates and naturalizations, provide a comprehensive view of assimilation behaviors. Results contribute to debates on whether discrimination fosters assimilation or reinforces ethnic identity, offering insights into the impact of public opinion on immigrant integration.

Date: Wednesday, April 30th

Time: 4.30 to 6 pm (CET)

Location: building D4, ground floor, D4.0.144

With best regards,

Harald Oberhofer

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Univ.-Prof. Dr. Harald Oberhofer

Department of Economics 

WU Vienna University of Economics and Business

Phone: +43/1/31336-4984

Email: harald.oberhofer@wu.ac.at

https://www.wu.ac.at/en/economics/people/oberhofer-h

Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO)

Phone: +43/1/7982601-468

Email: harald.oberhofer@wifo.ac.at

http://www.wifo.ac.at/harald_oberhofer