Racial and Ethnic Differences in Major and Everyday Discrimination Among Older Adults: African Americans, Black Caribbeans, and Non-Latino Whites

J Aging Health. 2022 Jun;34(3):460-471. doi: 10.1177/08982643221085818. Epub 2022 Apr 14.

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined differences in major and everyday discrimination between African Americans, Black Caribbeans, and non-Latino White older adults.

Methods: Data are taken from the National Survey of American Life. Measures of major (e.g., unfairly fired and harassed by police) and everyday (e.g., treated with less courtesy, insulted, and followed in stores) discrimination were examined.

Results: Both African Americans and Black Caribbeans reported more major and everyday discrimination than non-Latino Whites. However, there were no significant differences between African Americans and Whites with regards to being fired, neighbors making life difficult and receiving poor service. There were no significant differences between African Americans and Black Caribbeans in major or everyday discrimination.

Discussion: The discussion notes the importance of examining racial as well as within group ethnic differences within the Black American population in the types of discrimination. It also notes the importance of examining indicators of both major and everyday discrimination.

Keywords: aging; black immigrants; discrimination; health disparities; racial disparities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Black People
  • Black or African American*
  • Caribbean Region
  • Hispanic or Latino*
  • Humans
  • Racial Groups
  • United States