How have Asians experienced discrimination differently during COVID-19? The role of nativity

Cary Wu; Eric  Kennedy; Yue Qian; Rima Wilkes

Cary Wu York University
Eric Kennedy York University
Yue Qian University of British Columbia
Rima Wilkes University of British Columbia

Abstract

In this article, we consider differences in how native-born Asians and foreign-born Asians may have experienced rising anti-Asian attacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyze Canadian data from a national survey (two waves conducted in April and December 2020) that includes a subsample of 464 Asians (native-born=178; foreign-born=286). Results from negative binomial regressions suggest that perception of anti-Asian racism is highly conditioned by nativity. Specifically, native-born Asians are significantly more likely than foreign-born Asians to report having encountered instances of acute discrimination during the pandemic. To explain the perceived discrimination gap, we test whether a stronger sense of cultural belonging and ethnic pride among native-born Asians contributes to their greater sensitivity to discrimination and thereby higher perceptions of discrimination. We measure sense of cultural belonging and ethnic pride using in-group trust (ethnic trust in Asian people). Although we do find native-born Asians show greater in-group trust, it does not seem to explain away the higher levels of discrimination perceived by native-born Asians.

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Author Biographies

Cary Wu, York University

Cary Wu is a York Research Chair and Associate Professor of Sociology at York University in Canada. His research focusing on immigration, race and ethnicity has appeared in journals such as Ethnic and Racial Studies, Canadian Ethnic Studies, and Dædalus-Journal of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Eric Kennedy, York University

Eric Kennedy is an Associate Professor of Disaster and Emergency Management at York University in Canada, and Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal of Emergency Management. His research focuses on decision-making and use of evidence in emergency contexts, as well as disaster research methods.

Yue Qian, University of British Columbia

Yue Qian is an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of British Columbia. Her research focuses on gender, family-work, and inequality. Her research has been published in the Canadian Review of Sociology, Canadian Public Policy, and Canadian Ethnic Studies, among others.

Rima Wilkes, University of British Columbia

Rima Wilkes is a Professor of Sociology at the University of British Columbia. Her research focuses on race-ethnicity, migration, and trust. Her research has been published in the Canadian Review of Sociology, International Migration Review, and Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies.