Effects of Racial Discrimination on Health, Employment, and Housing in The Us

Introduction

Over the years, there have been attempts both on local and global scales to eradicate racial discrimination—the belief that one race or color is superior to another. On numerous occasions, policies of racial segregation often formalize it. However, racial discrimination is often exerted without being legalized. While racial tolerance varies from country to country, with Jordan being the least tolerant, it has adverse effects. This essay seeks to discuss the effects of racial discrimination on health, employment, and housing predominantly in the United States.

Effects of Racial Discrimination on Employment

Audit studies in the US have found strong evidence of racial discrimination in the labor market. These studies found that white applicants for jobs were preferred with magnitudes ranging from 50% to 240% (Bertrand & Mullainathan, 2004). Moreover, significant studies showed discrimination in the sales of cars, home insurance, among other aspects. Racial discrimination in the workplace results in an uneven distribution of employment opportunities, with people of certain colors being preferred over others with the same level of professional and academic capabilities (Facts About Race/Color Discrimination, 2017). This not only limits the economic opportunities for minority groups but also perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality.

Effects on Housing Opportunities

Furthermore, in terms of equal housing opportunities in the US, experimental studies conducted found that Blacks and Hispanics experience discrimination in "about one in five and one in four housing searches respectively" (Pager & Shepherd, 2008). Housing discrimination in the US has resulted in unequal housing opportunities where both low-income earners and minority groups are secluded and discriminated against. This leads to the formation of segregated neighborhoods, which further exacerbates social inequalities and limits access to quality education and healthcare for these communities.

Health Implications of Racial Discrimination

Moreover, racial discrimination studies have shown an association between reported racial discrimination and adverse physical and mental health outcomes (Pascoe & Richman, 2009). The impact of this colonialism and anti-black intolerance on the health of Black people and other indigenous minority groups is elongated. This discrimination results in increased stress levels, which is among the highest causes of death in the United States (Williams, Neighbors, & Jackson, 2003). Additionally, the constant experience of discrimination can lead to chronic health issues such as hypertension and depression, further affecting the quality of life and longevity of affected individuals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, racial discrimination has far-reaching consequences for both individuals and the US government's economy as a whole. Therefore, any form of social intolerance on the basis of color should not be encouraged in both the US and the entire world. Racial discrimination results in psychological problems on top of lowering an individual's self-esteem. Consequently, low self-esteem may result in exclusion (exclusion theory). The United States government should therefore strive to put strategies in place to eradicate this outdated and old-fashioned vice—racial discrimination.

References

• Bertrand, M., & Mullainathan, S. (2004). Are Emily and Greg More Employable than Lakisha and Jamal? A Field Experiment on Labor Market Discrimination. American Economic Review, 94(4), 991-1013.
• Facts About Race/Color Discrimination. (2017). U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
• Pager, D., & Shepherd, H. (2008). The Sociology of Discrimination: Racial Discrimination in Employment, Housing, Credit, and Consumer Markets. Annual Review of Sociology, 34, 181-209.
• Pascoe, E. A., & Richman, L. S. (2009). Perceived Discrimination and Health: A Meta-Analytic Review. Psychological Bulletin, 135(4), 531-554.
• Williams, D. R., Neighbors, H. W., & Jackson, J. S. (2003). Racial/Ethnic Discrimination and Health: Findings from Community Studies. American Journal of Public Health, 93(2), 200-208.