A Data-Driven Typology of Political Engagement Patterns in Residence and Origin: First-Generation Immigrants in France

• In Event: 30825 - Immigrant Political Participation

Abstract

Using data from the two editions of the Trajectories and Origins (TeO) Survey, I examine patterns of first-generation immigrants’ political engagement in terms of political interest and electoral participation in France and in their origin countries. This descriptive analysis aims to provide insight into political engagement in a transnational field, bringing diaspora politics and immigrant incorporation literatures into conversation. The findings suggest that the political engagement patterns of first-generation immigrants in France broadly move in the same direction such that most of them are either engaged, disengaged, or strongly disengaged both in their residence and origin countries, though to varying degrees. Importantly, the magnitude of engagement or disengagement at the local or national level in France is stronger than at home. Only a small portion of the first-generation immigrants who have acquired French citizenship tend to be completely detached from politics in their origin countries and solely participate in politics in France. Overall, these engagement patterns are found to be significantly shaped by citizenship status, country of origin, year of survey, and educational attainment of respondents. The year of survey provides an important comparison between 2008-2009 and 2019-2020, a period which is marked by increasing politicization of immigration as a social and cultural problem in Europe and elsewhere.

Author

• Elif Buyukakbas, Northwestern University