Towards the eastern gate to Europe: Factors shaping perceptions and attitudes towards migrants in Lesvos Island (Greece), 2016

The present study investigates the socioeconomic factors shaping social attitudes and perceptions towards immigration in the local community of Lesvos, Greece. Since 2015, Lesvos Island has been the main gateway of immigration flows towards Europe. Using a structured questionnaire, a field survey was carried out in 2016 by interviewing a representative sample of 697 inhabitants in Mytilini, the capital city of the island. Our study demonstrates how socio-demographic forces, economic/political contexts, and mass media have influenced the attitudes of the host society towards both refugees and economic immigrants. Direct interaction with immigrants was a significant dimension that shaped the perceptions and beliefs of the native population. Critical issues pertaining to migrants' integration - under economically disadvantaged and insular conditions - in the local community of Lesvos were finally discussed.