The Impact of Racial Discrimination on Individuals
Racial discrimination can significantly affect individuals across various dimensions. Below are elucidations of its effects on youth, children, and adolescents:
Effects of Racial Discrimination on Youth
The consequences of racial discrimination on youth include the following:
- Research has found that exposure to racial discrimination is linked to deterioration in mental health among youth, resulting in compromised physical health as well. Studies suggest that stress induced by racism may lead to physical health repercussions in the long term.
- Stress can elevate blood pressure and weaken the immune system, consequently increasing the risk of chronic health conditions.
- Experiencing discrimination heightens levels of stress, raising the likelihood of individuals developing hypertension, with some studies indicating that people of color are at greater risk for hypertension compared to other racial groups.
- Another study revealed that unfair treatment has a pronounced effect on sleep quality and the physiological responses of the body.
- Furthermore, research indicates that racial discrimination’s impact on adults may lead some individuals towards increased alcohol and drug consumption, as well as rising smoking rates and the emergence of unhealthy eating patterns.
Effects of Racial Discrimination on Children and Adolescents
The impacts of racial discrimination on children include:
- Racial bias affects newborns; studies indicate that mothers experiencing discrimination are more likely to give birth to infants with low birth weights compared to their peers, which may increase the likelihood of future health complications for the children or even lead to fatalities.
- Stress stemming from racial discrimination can adversely affect the developmental process and brain growth of children and adolescents, potentially leading to heightened negative feelings such as fear, sadness, and anxiety, which can impair both learning and memory capacity.
The Effects of Racial Discrimination on Society
Racial discrimination detrimentally impacts the oppressed within society, manifesting as psychological and social deprivation. This effect encompasses a lack of adequate housing and access to healthcare for these groups, ultimately influencing the larger community.
Such pressures diminish individuals’ productivity and active participation within society, which can weaken the state, disrupt social cohesion, elevate crime rates, and contribute to the proliferation of harmful or illegal goods.
Moreover, the repercussions of racial discrimination extend beyond ethical and social dimensions; they also affect a nation’s economic development. Racial discrimination incurs substantial economic costs by preventing community members from contributing to their fullest potential, thereby negatively impacting both the economy and the society at large.