Experiences of discrimination and discomfort: A comparison of metropolitan and non‐metropolitan locations

Abstract

This article compares feelings of discomfort and experiences of discrimination attributed to racial and ethnic difference among visible minorities and two white groups: “Europeans” and “white charter” individuals. In conducting the analysis, attention is given to the role of location by examining how responses vary in three types of locations in Canada: large and diverse metropolitan areas, smaller “second‐tier” cities, and towns and rural areas. Using the Ethnic Diversity Survey (EDS) as the principal data source, the results of descriptive and explanatory multivariate analyses are presented. Logistic regression analyses confirm that race frequently is interpreted as underlying experiences of discomfort and discrimination in Canada, with visible minorities much more likely to report racial and ethnic discomfort and discrimination than the two white groups. While location is not strongly related to racial and ethnic discrimination, it has a significant impact on reports of discomfort. Residents of Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver are more likely to report racial and ethnic discomfort than those living in non‐metropolitan areas. As others have reported in Australia and Great Britain, living in diverse social environments where negotiation of difference is an everyday necessity heightens discomfort. The findings highlight geographical variations in the lived experience of multiculturalism that warrant further investigation.

Immigrants' perceptions of quality of life in three second‐ or third‐tier Canadian cities

“…To better understand and contextualize the experiences of immigrants in second‐ and third‐tier cities, it is necessary to consider how they are similar to or different from the experiences of immigrants in first‐tier cities, where the majority of immigrants reside (Li and Teixeira ). Although no studies have explicitly examined immigrant self‐perceptions of QOL (as our study has) in first‐tier cities, several have explored specific determinants of immigrant QOL such as income and employment (Vohra and Adair ), housing (DeVerteuil ), experiences with discrimination (Ray and Preston ), and health (Lebrun ). In general, the research indicates that immigrants in first‐tier cities, where the majority of immigrants live, experience lower QOL than their Canadian‐born counterparts, a finding that is echoed in our study.…”

Working with diversity: A geographical analysis of ethno-racial discrimination in Toronto

“…For example, previous research suggests important differences in experiences of discrimination overall across Canadian metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas (Ray and Preston, 2013). To evaluate the generalisability of our findings about discrimination in Toronto work locations requires equivalent comparative analyses.…”

Regionalization of Immigrant Settlement in Ontario : Exploring Experiences of Small and Medium Sized Reception Centres

“…(Wulff et al 2008, p. 123). The failure to do so can lead to challenges with discrimination as the populations of these smaller cities may feel uncomfortable with growing diversity (Ray & Preston, 2013).…”

“…In general, a lack of acknowledgement of racism and discrimination by Canadian-born members of smaller communities has been found, which calls for stronger education on these issues to build awareness (Ray & Preston, 2013). It is necessary to reinforce the idea of immigrants as members of the community and to implement a two-way method of integration where the entirety of the burden to become part of Canadian society is not placed on the newcomer (Lichter, 2012).…”