How Do the Levels of Education and Occupations of Citizens Interact with the National Socio-Economic Context to Influence Public Opinion on Globalisation

Abstract

This article empirically investigates the impact of national socio-economic contextual factors on public opinion on globalisation. It also examines the mediating impact … of these factors on the relationship between citizens' education, occupation and public opinion on globalisation. Using Eurobarometer data, this article demonstrates that national levels of unemployment, FDI and trade balances, as well as the proportion of the national population with tertiary education attainment, influence citizens' opinions on globalisation. They also show that national levels of unemployment, trade and FDI balances, net migration and the proportion of the national population with tertiary education arbitrate the relationship between individuals' education, occupation and public attitudes towards globalisation. The article then discusses the implications of these findings.