National attachments and the immigrant participation gap

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelfagfællebedømt

The paper adds insights to the ongoing discussion about how the political participation gap between naturalised immigrants and native citizens can be closed. In contrast to prior research, however, it takes a new turn by looking at the moderating role of national attachments, namely national identity and patriotism, in the relationship between immigration background and political involvement. The research question is explored based on the paradigmatic case of Switzerland with its high levels of foreign born citizens and the historically strong identification as a political nation. Based on the results we can say that national attachments are indeed able to bridge the participation gap. The effect of patriotism – the evaluative dimension of national attachment – thereby plays a more important role for immigrants than simple national identification.


OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftJournal of Ethnic and Migration Studies
Vol/bind46
Udgave nummer13
Sider (fra-til)2818-2840
Antal sider23
ISSN1369-183X
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2020

ID: 202021909