Does Discrimination in Childhood Reduce Trust and Participation Among Adult Immigrants?

Abstract

Trust is an important determinant of well-functioning democratic societies. Immigrants, however, often have lower trust than the majority population. Experienced discrimination might be a factor in reducing trust levels among immigrants. In this study, we use data from a survey of young adults in Norway to investigate the relationship between experienced discrimination in childhood and trust as an adult among immigrant minorities and the majority population. We also investigate how trust and experienced discrimination are related to attachment to Norway, participation in voluntary organizations, and employment. We find that experienced discrimination in childhood is related to lower levels of both social and institutional trust. Discrimination does not, however, affect levels of participation or employment. Our findings support the view of both institutional and social trust as dynamic concepts that are shaped through experiences in life. Further, our results indicate that discrimination is likely to contribute to lower levels of trust among minorities.