Discrimination can take many forms — from disrespect and exclusion to harassment — and can have lasting effects on social, mental and physical health. A survey of more than 9,000 Houston-area residents examines experiences with personal and vicarious (indirect) discrimination. Alongside structural and legal categories (such as race, age and class), the study also explores identity-based factors, with a particular focus on political discrimination.
Key findings
General discrimination
- Over half (55%) of Houston-area residents reported experiencing discrimination in the past year (personally or vicariously), most often perpetrated by a stranger.
- Race and political views were the most frequently cited reasons for personal discrimination.
- Younger adults, Black residents and Hispanic residents reported the highest rates.
- Personal discrimination was linked to poorer mental and physical health. Anger was the most common emotional response.
Political discrimination
- Perceived political discrimination was reported at similar rates (21%-28%) across political affiliations, frequently in the forms of intolerance, social exclusion, harassment and intimidation.
- To avoid conflict, 1 in 5 residents who perceived being targeted reported changing their behavior by censoring or disengaging themselves from others.
- Some residents expressed fatigue with perceived political discrimination and called for change to bridge divides.
