Perceived Economic Consequences of Syrian Refugees in Europe: A Comparative Analysis of Korean and U.K. Students

Perceived Economic Consequences of Syrian Refugees in Europe: A Comparative Analysis of Korean and U.K. Students

Jia Kim, Suzi Kim, Min Kyum Kim, Ye Som Jung, Chaewoon Yu 

Abstract

Because of growing evidence of an increasing rate of refugees entering Europe as an outcome of global conflicts and wars and resulting displacement and the expectation that this kind of displacement would have serious economic impacts on various host countries in Europe, regardless of the aid offered, host countries are likely to face economic consequences in diverse forms, affecting not only refugees but also local populations themselves.  In this regard, this study example public sector spending, unemployment, commodity price/inflation, trade, population size, and GDP by conducting a comparative analysis of U.K. and Korean students. According to the results, the students did not have an unfavorable view of refugees. Korean participants showed a higher mean than U.K. participants, indicating that U.K. students were less likely to have an unfavorable view of refugees. There was no significant difference between the two groups. The respondents emphasized “Increases in Population Size” as the most important factor, followed by “Increases in Unemployment Among Local Workers,” “Increases in Unnecessary Public Sector Spending,” “Increases in Commodity Prices and Inflation Rates,” “Decreases in International Trade,” and “Decreases in GDP,” in that order. Korean students identified “Increases in Population Size” as the most important factor, followed by “Increases in Unemployment Among Local Workers,” “Increases in Unnecessary Public Sector Spending,” “Decreases in International Trade,” “Decreases in GDP,” and “Increases in Commodity Prices and Inflation Rates,” in that order. U.K. students identified “Increases in Population Size” as the most important factor, followed by “Increases in Unemployment Among Local Workers,” “Increases in Unnecessary Public Sector Spending,” and “Increases in Commodity Prices and Inflation Rates,” in that order.

Keywords: Perceived Economic Consequences, Syrian Refugees, Europe, Korean Students, U.K. Students, Comparative Analysis