Worker mobility under attack? Explaining labour market chauvinism in the EU. Issue 10 (3rd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferrera, Maurizio; Pellegata, Alessandro
• Is Part Of: Journal of European public policy. Volume 25:Issue 10(2018)
• Page Start: 1461
• Page End: 1480
• Publication Date: 2018-10-03
• Subjects: Chauvinism -- European Union -- free movement -- immigration -- labour market -- public opinion; European Union countries -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; Political planning -- European Union countries -- Periodicals; Politique publique -- Pays de l'Union européenne -- Périodiques; Pays de l'Union européenne -- Politique et gouvernement -- Périodiques; 361.61094
• DOI: 10.1080/13501763.2018.1488886
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1350-1763

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The aim of this paper is to investigate citizen views on the free movement of workers within the European Union (EU). We are interested in how situational and relational factors affect labour market chauvinist attitudes. Drawing on the threat theory, we advance new hypotheses on the role of intertemporal relative deprivation in amplifying chauvinist inclinations. From the intergroup contact theory and transnational approaches, we borrow insights on the role played by cross-border experiences and inclusion in discursive and associational networks in containing chauvinism. The analysis uses the original 'Reconciling Economic and Social Europe' (REScEU) survey conducted in six EU countries (i.e., France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and Sweden) in the fall of 2016. The article shows that – though rooted in class and status positions – chauvinist attitudes are clearly sensitive to contingent situations and lifeworld experiences.