Personal Discrimination, Group Discrimination, and Associate Factors among Chinese Canadians During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic was marked by a surge in anti-Asian discrimination globally, particularly impacting Chinese Canadians. Despite a long history of racial prejudice, the pandemic exacerbated biases against Asian communities, leading to increased harassment and discrimination. This study aims to explore both personal and perceived group discrimination levels among Chinese Canadians during the pandemic, examining demographic factors such as age, education, and language proficiency.

METHODS

A survey was conducted within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) between April 11 and 30, 2021, targeting Chinese Canadians and immigrants. The questionnaire assessed individual discrimination experiences pre- and during-pandemic, as well as group discrimination perceptions. Sociodemographic data were collected, and logistic regression analyses were applied to understand the associations between discrimination experiences and factors like education and language proficiency.

RESULTS

Findings reveal a significant increase in discrimination during the pandemic, with 53.6% of respondents reporting individual experiences of discrimination. Prior to the pandemic, higher education (OR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.38-3.86) and longer residency in Canada (OR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.35-3.29) were associated with increased discrimination. During the pandemic, English proficiency became a significant factor, with individuals reporting good proficiency having 43% lower odds of discrimination (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.38-0.85). A positive correlation was found between individual and group discrimination perceptions (r = 0.324, p < 0.001), underscoring the compounded psychological impact.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

This study highlights the intensified discrimination experienced by Chinese Canadians during the pandemic, with sociodemographic factors influencing discrimination experiences. The observed link between individual and group discrimination suggests a need for community-specific support. Understanding these dynamics is critical to addressing the broader implications of pandemic-driven racial prejudice and informing targeted interventions for Asian communities in Canada.