Work

Are pro-immigrant messages ineffective? Moralization as a rhetorical strategy for mainstream parties

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This study contributes to understanding mainstream parties' room for maneuver in the immigration domain by exploring the impact of moralization as a rhetorical strategy. Research has found anti-immigrant messages to be more effective than pro-immigrant messages in shaping public opinion. However, a pre-registered survey experiment with Danish respondents reveals that moral rhetoric enhances policy support for pro-immigrant communication, rendering it as effective as anti-immigrant messages. Partisan-motivated reasoning influences reactions to all messages except the non-moral anti-immigrant message, suggesting that when appealing to out-party supporters, mainstream parties still meet least resistance with an exclusive platform.

Source: Political Science Research and Methods

DOI: 10.1017/psrm.2024.45

Author: Kristina Bakkær Simonsen

Institution: Aarhus University

Language: English

Topic: Migration, Refugees, and Integration

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,450

Funders: University of Cambridge, Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond