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Week 5 Discussion: Structural Racism and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Danita Rosholt posted Sep 12, 2024 02:59
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Structural racism functions through various connected forms of discrimination—such as institutional, cultural, and interpersonal racism—that mutually reinforce one another, leading to ingrained disadvantages for marginalized communities. A pertinent example is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Indigenous peoples. In their research, Tessler, Choi, and Kao (2020) analyze the increased anxiety and discrimination faced by Asian Americans during this crisis. Their findings, published in the “American Journal of Criminal Justice,” indicate a notable rise in hate crimes and negative perceptions toward Asian Americans, worsening mental health challenges and social isolation. The authors contend that these discriminatory actions stem from deep-seated racial biases that have been aggravated by the pandemic.
In Bangladesh, Indigenous communities encountered severe difficulties during the pandemic, which heightened existing inequalities. A report from the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA) pointed out that these communities dealt with food insecurity and job losses as a result of systemic obstacles in accessing land and resources. Additionally, their restricted access to healthcare services relevant to their culture further marginalized them, intensifying their vulnerability during this crisis.
These types of structural racism have lasting negative effects, as they continue cycles of poverty and restrict future possibilities. For example, the long-term consequences of diminished access to education and economic opportunities can result in persistent socioeconomic challenges. Comparable trends were seen in the United States, where Black and Asian Americans experienced heightened discrimination during the pandemic. This bias has had enduring impacts on mental well-being, financial stability, and access to vital resources.
Using what I’ve learned this term, I suggest that in order to address these intricate forms of structural discrimination, social change initiatives should give priority to policy reforms that address the underlying causes of inequality, foster community involvement for culturally sensitive solutions, and support education to increase awareness of the complexities surrounding racism.
These are essential to breaking down the structures that support racial inequality and building a more just society for coming generations.
These accumulated impairments can have long-lasting effects that affect people’s quality of life overall, social mobility, and health consequences.
References:
Elliott, D. (2020). Racism and the pandemics of the year 2020. Retrieved from
Ruiz, N. G., Horowitz, J. M., & Tamir, C. (2020, July 1). Many Black and Asian Americans say they have experienced discrimination amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Retrieved from
Tessler, H., Choi, M., & Kao, G. (2020). The anxiety of being Asian American: Hate crimes and negative biases during the COVID-19 pandemic. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 45 (4), 636–646. doi:10.1007/s12103-020-09541-5
Vox. (2020, May 22). One reason why coronavirus hits black people the hardest. Retrieved from
